Congratulations to our fantastic London Marathon Runners!

On Sunday 24th April, 29 Wooden Spoon runners took to the 26 mile 385 yard course of the 36th London Marathon whilst being cheered on by the London crowds.

The first Wooden Spoon runner, Thando, crossed the finish line in an impressive 3 hours, 16 minutes (2 minutes faster than his 2015 time) and was followed in quick succession by his TNT colleague Mark at 3 hours, 16 minutes.

But for the majority, it wasn’t the time taken, more the achievement of completing the course and raising valuable funds for the great work that Wooden Spoon does for children and young people across the UK.

To date we have raised over £25,000 from our runners which could pay for an adventure playground giving disabled children independence to play freely with their peers and enjoy every day moments.

A huge thank you to all our runners and their sponsors for their tremendous fundraising efforts at this year’s London Marathon. With your support and dedication the money raised can achieve some incredible things for the amazing children we support!

Here is what some of our runners had to say:

Karen Ryall

“I chose to raise funds for Wooden Spoon for a couple of reasons really; firstly my son (now 17) has been playing rugby since he was 5 years old. He won’t ever play for England but that doesn’t matter in the game. It’s about the people – his team mates, the respect he shows for others in the game and finally that he actually enjoys it. The world of rugby is a great place for children to learn a lot about life and the skills you need to get on; and secondly the fantastic work the charity does for children by bringing the rugby community into their worlds to help support it.”

Carly Everett

“I was really pleased when Wooden Spoon offered me their last marathon place. The charity funds some amazing projects across the UK and Ireland to help disabled and disadvantaged children and really make a difference to their lives. I injured my knee 8 weeks before the Marathon but I was determined to complete the run for the people who helped me raise money for such a wonderful cause. I was so happy that so much money was donated to Wooden Spoon as I know many children will benefit from it. Thank you Wooden Spoon for giving me the opportunity to not only fulfill my dream of completing The London Marathon but, more importantly, to raise money for you.”

Andrew Mitchell

“After gaining access to the London Marathon through the ballot, the next thing was to decide on a charity to run for. Wooden Spoon was top of my list, the reason I chose this great charity as I have been involved in playing rugby for over 30 years and to see what the charity does for young disabled and disadvantaged children through the power of rugby was a great match.

“I have experienced some great times through my playing career but since hanging up my boots I turned to the coaching side of the game with our junior section at Mackie FP’s. To see all the kids running around with a smile on their faces and enjoying themselves, I can only imagine what this does for centres and other areas that Wooden Spoon are supporting and creating. It is a fantastic charity and one I will continue to support “when” I decide on my next challenge!!”

Raoul Sreenivasan

“While TNT supports Wooden Spoon as a company effort, it is particularly meaningful to me that it uses the positive attributes of sport to bring both joy and development to children with disabilities. It goes without saying that our children are the future of our planet; and leveraging the focus, commitment, activity and challenge of sport to develop our children is a fantastic cause.”

Feeling inspired?

The 2017 London Marathon takes place on Sunday, 23rd April. Wooden Spoon are guaranteed a minimum of 15 gold bond places. We ask each runner to raise at least £1,750 including a non refundable donation of £100 as confirmation of entry. Register your interest now and secure your place for 2017 – challenges@woodenspoon.org.uk