Congratulations to our amazing 2021 London Marathon Runners!

WE were delighted to be supported by a dozen runners who took their place among the 36,000-plus field in Sunday’s London Marathon.

Raising thousands of pounds in support of our work, we cannot thank them enough – and every single person who supported them and donated.

Here are a few of their stories…

Nev Moule

County referee and rugby player Nev Moule admitted it was a “no brainer” to support the Wooden Spoon charity as he took on his third consecutive marathon on Sunday.

Nev, 50, from Glastonbury, Somerset, was part of the 36,000-plus strong field who took on the London Marathon completing the route in 5hrs 52mins. He said:

“It was enjoyable at times, but also hard at others – especially as my hamstring went after about 17 miles.

“My favourite part was seeing my family at Cutty Sark and also all the support you receive from the crowd.

“As an active rugby player and referee, it was a no brainer for me to run for a rugby-based charity.

“I started running when I lost a bet on a rugby tour three years ago, but I have now certainly got the running bug.”

Nev plays for Tor RFC and Wells RFC, third team and veterans, as well as being a county referee.

Stuart Hiscocks

A Wokingham man who only took up running three years ago has described completing the London Marathon as one of the best experiences of his life.

Stuart Hiscocks, 44, took part in Sunday’s race and completed the 26.2 miles in 4hrs 20mins.

A member of Finchcoasters running club, Stuart raised money for Wooden Spoon as his son plays for Bracknell RFC and his parents have been long-term supporters of the charity. He said:

“The atmosphere was just brilliant – hearing your name being cheered and having my kids, my girlfriend, my parents, sister and her husband and my niece and nephew all supporting me.

“The last five miles was hard as I had to dig deep, mentally, to overcome physical pain to carry on running and not walk.

“But the whole day was amazing – it was one of the best experiences of my life.”

James Hobson

A London Marathon debutant who admitted it was “touch and go” whether he could compete due to injury has spoken of his joy after finishing Sunday’s race.

James Hobson, from Bredgar, near Sittingbourne, saw his training hampered by a calf injury and then a flare up on the day threatened to stop him from completing the marathon.

But after treatment from an event physio, James, 35, said he was determined to finish – even if he was “hobbling over the line”.

After completing the distance in 4hrs 13mins, James said:

“It was going really well until just over 16 miles into the race when my calf injury flared up again.

“I had damaged my calf during training which meant I couldn’t run for seven weeks and had to swim instead.

“It was touch and go whether I could compete, but I had a great support network of friends and family which spurred me on to the finish line.

“The crowds and atmosphere were absolutely unbelievable and the event was so well organised. I absolutely loved my first marathon and it has spurred me on to compete again.”

He added: “Wooden Spoon is an amazing charity. Having a disabled brother, I have seen the real benefits of what they want to achieve and the positive impact on children’s lives.”

Simon Wright

The London Marathon was not the first time Simon Wright has supported the work of the Wooden Spoon.

Two years ago, he was part of the team who played rugby on the side of Mount Everest. And the 47-year-old followed this up by completing Sunday’s showcase event, though admitting it was never part of his plans.

After running 6hrs 2mins, Simon from Sevenoaks in Kent, admitted:

“I have supported Wooden Spoon for a number of years, but I have never run a marathon before.

“I always said if I was going to run a marathon that it had to be for a great reason and supporting the fantastic work of the charity provided me with the motivation.

“I had a good first half of the marathon but it was a tough second half and the best parts were crossing Tower Bridge and then seeing the finish line.”

Will Wright

Also supporting the work of Wooden Spoon was Simon’s brother and long-term rugby player, Will Wright, who lives in St Quen, Jersey, and completed the marathon in 4hrs 15mins.

The 46-year-old said:

“The race went well for about 20 miles and then my legs went and I couldn’t run at all.

“But it was absolutely amazing – the crowd especially. I wanted to support the Wooden Spoon as many of my family have supported the charity over the years.

“My father-in-law, Nick Burne, recently passed. He was club chairman of Old Elthamians RFC and a Spoon fan, so it was nice to do this in his memory.”

Cara Gourlay

“The atmosphere of London and the crowds were such a motivation, I’ve never experienced anything like it and helped make the day really special.

I chose to support Wooden Spoon because – After finding out about all incredible things you do for disadvantaged and disabled children, by not only providing help and opportunities, but also promoting inclusivity which I think is so important, I was glad to help support the cause!”

Want to take on a challenge for Wooden Spoon? We have a range of virtual challenges that you can get involved in this October.