Going the Extra Mile for Learning Disabilities

All done!

I’m relieved and satisfied to report that I managed to complete the Kingston Half Marathon on Sunday 5th October. Thanks to the generosity of friends, family and the whole ECL community, the activity raised £1400, all of which will go to support our activities enhancing the lives of adults with learning disabilities.

A few bumps in the road…

When I signed up for the race last year, it seemed a long way off. Plenty of time to train, I thought. And it was in fact going quite well, until a bout of Covid and a strained calf muscle put me on the sidelines for quite a while. At one stage I wasn’t sure I would be able to run at all! Thankfully, some excellent physio and a bit of positive thinking had me back on the road a few weeks before the event.

Sunshine and smiles

On the day itself, I arrived in Kingston Marketplace to find it thronged with runners of all ages. The route wends its way along the river from Kingston to Teddington and back down to Hampton Court, before looping round once more towards Kingston. It’s a lovely run, made even better on the day by bright sunshine, camaraderie amongst the runners and amazing support from the spectators lining the route. I enjoyed every step for about 10 miles! The last three were pretty tough, but I kept myself going by thinking of everyone’s generosity and looking ahead to the projects that the money raised will enable our learning-disabled members to enjoy.

Over the finish line

Now it’s over (and my legs have stopped aching!), I’d just like to say a huge thank you to everyone who donated to Local Giving. Without your generous support, ECL wouldn’t be able to continue its valuable work.

To find out more about how we support and enhance the lives of those with learning disabilities and/or autism, please contact our charity coordinator, Pier.  You can reach her at coordinator@eclwalton.org.uk