Jigsaw’s #FabFour finish the Brighton Marathon
In bitterly cold and windy conditions the #FabFour team representing Jigsaw (South East) all finished the Brighton Marathon on Sunday, raising around £2400 for the East Grinstead based bereavement charity.
“I’m chuffed to bits I ran under four hours,” said seasoned runner, Nicola Bishop from Ardingly, who was the first of the #FabFour to cross the line in a time of 3:49.04. Nine years ago she had vowed, “never to run a marathon again,” but she was inspired to return because of the work of Jigsaw (South East). “The race was really tough but the support was absolutely amazing. The hardest bit was the final three miles, running into that wind went on forever. I celebrated with my family at home and had a hot bath and a beer!” Nicola said.
“I’m not going to lie it was tough and there were a couple of times when I wasn’t sure I would make it,” said our second #FabFour finisher, Doug Bewley. East Grinstead based Doug only decided to run a week ago after work commitments stopped him from training.
“I knew I had to pace myself properly and try and run a smart race, unfortunately after 28 km the legs gave up and kept going into cramps and pain. When it got difficult, I shut out my surroundings and concentrated on each step. Then I brought out my secret weapon and started playing the Greatest Showman soundtrack. This music, coupled with my fear of letting down Jigsaw enabled me to muster the last ounces of mental strength to push hard to the finish line.” Doug added. He finished in 4:39.07.
First-time marathoner Natalie Moon was just behind Doug. Natalie, who lives in East Grinstead, only started running four years ago, in a bid to get fit before she turned 40. A year later she completed a half marathon and it had been her goal to step up the distance. She did this in some style, finishing in 4:47:08.
“I was so nervous but chatting to total strangers in the line up giving me words of encouragement was heartwarming. I absolutely loved running through the streets of Brighton and the crowds were great and really helped me by cheering and handing out sweets!
“Friends and family came to watch, which I found quite emotional but that also kept me going. But most importantly it was knowing how many people had sponsored me and had faith in me to finish and raise money for Jigsaw.” Natalie said.
“Who needs to train? It’s just a light run.” Horsham based Adam Hinds had joked before the race. Like Natalie, this was Adam’s first marathon. “I’m a terrible runner but I pushed myself to see what I could achieve,” Adam said. He finished in 5:12.15.
Jigsaw (South East) Operations Manager, Nickey Price, said: “Nicola, Doug, Adam and Natalie have raised £2400 for Jigsaw. We are delighted they all finished the course in what were tough conditions. They have been inspirational. The money raised will enable us to continue working with bereaved children and young people and those facing the death of a loved one through a serious illness.”
Based at East Court Mansion in East Grinstead since 2006, the charity offers support to children and young people who have a family member with a serious, life-limiting condition. It also provides grief support to children and young people who have experienced the death of a significant family member through illness, accident, suicide or murder (through groups in #Reigate and #Guildford and #East Grinstead).
You can still support our #FabFour.
Sponsor Natalie by visiting her JustGiving page:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/natalie-moon2
Sponsor Adam and Nicola here:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/adamstevenicola
Sponsor Doug now:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/doug-bewley1
