FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ten Spirit of London winners named
14/04/2018
The 2018 Virgin Money London Marathon celebrates the unique spirit of the
world's greatest marathon, showcasing the extraordinary stories of its
runners, champions, volunteers and supporters through the Spirit of London
campaign.
On Race Day last year, millions of people around the world were moved by
the sight of Swansea Harrier Matthew Rees helping David Wyeth down The Mall
to the Finish Line. That moment encapsulated the unique spirit of the
London Marathon and inspired the theme for 2018.
In January, Wyeth and Rees were named as the first winners of the new
Spirit of London award and that was followed by the announcement that
former boxer Michael Watson - who completed the 2003 London Marathon 12
years after suffering severe brain injuries in a world title fight - would
be the third recipient of the award.
Today (Saturday 14 April) London Marathon Events announces a further ten
recipients of the Spirit of London award. The winners are (in alphabetical
order):
- Rhian Burke: Rhian was part of the Mind Over Marathon team who completed
the 2017 London Marathon for Heads Together to raise awareness of mental
health. She was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder following a
double tragedy in 2012 when her one-year-old son George died from pneumonia
and then her husband, overwhelmed by grief, committed suicide a few days
later. It left Rhian as a single mother to her two other children. She has
set up the charity 2 Wish Upon a Star to help other bereaved families.
- Rev Steve Chalke: The record for most money raised for charity by an
individual at the London Marathon - indeed at any marathon worldwide - is
held by Reverend Steve Chalke MBE. The Londoner raised an incredible
£2,330,159.38 when he completed the 2011 race. Rev Chalke is the leader of
the Oasis Charitable Trust and is a prominent social activist.
- Charlie Dark for Run Dem Crew: DJ and poet Charlie formed Run Dem Crew
(RDC) in London in 2007 as an alternative to more traditional running
clubs. RDC is committed to change and works closely with young people
across London providing mentoring and advice along with the opportunity to
explore London in a safe, unique, positive and supportive environment.
- Zamzam Farah: Ran the 400m at the 2012 London Olympics for Somalia to
show her country that women could compete in sport. This was not received
well in her home country and she had to flee to the UK to seek asylum. She
completed the 2017 Virgin Money London Marathon
- Claire Lomas: The first person in London Marathon history to complete the
route walking in a bionic suit. Claire was paralysed after an accident
riding a horse in 2007 and walked the London Marathon route in 2012, taking
16 days to cover the 26.2 miles.
- Chris Moon: In 1995, Chris was seriously injured in Africa clearing
landmines for a charity and lost his lower arm and leg. Less than a year
after leaving hospital he completed the London Marathon. He has since gone
on to run 14 London Marathons, raising thousands of pounds for charity.
- Fauja Singh: Fauja is the oldest person to have ever finished the London
Marathon. He was 93 years old when he completed the 2004 race. Now aged
107, Fauja was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the 2015 New Year
Honours for services to sport and charity.
- Jill Tyrell: On 7 July 2005, Jill was on the same carriage as a suicide
bomber who blew up an underground train travelling between King's Cross and
Russell Square. Twenty-six people died on that train and a total of 52
people died on the same day of co-ordinated terror attacks on London which
became known as 7/7. Jill spent two-and-a-half months in hospital following
the attack but recovered well enough to take part in the 2006 London
Marathon.
- Claude Umuhire: After surviving the Rwandan genocide as a child, Claude
came to London with his mother. Years later, after finding himself homeless
on the streets of the capital, he was introduced to running by The Running
Charity. This helped transform his life and in 2015 he ran the London
Marathon for the charity.
- Roy Webber: 71-year-old Roy has volunteered at every London Marathon
since the very first event in 1981 through his involvement with the 23rd
Camberwell Scouts.
Up to 26 people will be presented with the special commemorative coin at an
awards ceremony in May.
The coin shows Dick Beardsley (USA) and Inge Simonsen (NOR), the joint
winners of the first London Marathon who crossed the finish line hand in
hand. The coin is engraved with one of the London Marathon's founding
pillars, created by Chris Brasher and John Disley: To have fun and provide
some happiness and a sense of achievement in a troubled world. The reverse
of the coin shows the trophy awarded to Dorando Pietri after the 1908
Olympic Marathon.
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