Stratford Vet Races for Hope: £7,816 Raised at London Marathon!

London, United Kingdom - In a remarkable display of dedication and spirit, Rachel Fielden, a veterinarian from The Ark Veterinary Practice in Stratford, has taken her commitment to charity to new heights by running the London Marathon and raising an impressive £7,816 for Macmillan. This run marks Rachel’s 20th marathon in the past ten years, a testament to her endurance and passion for supporting those in need.

The motivation behind Rachel’s run is deeply personal. She is running in memory of her mother, who passed away from terminal cancer two decades ago. This was not only a significant milestone for her as a runner, but also her first time raising money through this marathon event—making it an even more heartfelt experience. As Rachel beautifully expressed, “Running in my home city of London in memory of my mother was special.” Her initial fundraising goal was £2,500, but she surpassed that by a wide margin thanks to the incredible support from her colleagues and the community.

Community Support

The team at The Ark Veterinary Practice played a pivotal role in Rachel’s fundraising efforts. They set up a donation station and organized local events to rally support. Throughout her training and the race itself, Rachel received numerous encouraging messages from her colleagues, making the marathon journey a collective effort. The camaraderie and spirit shown by her team clearly contribute to a sense of community and support around such important causes.

Beyond the local support, Rachel participated in a training regimen that aligns with standard marathon preparation guidelines. For runners interested in getting into the sport, training typically involves a progression from 5k runs to 10k runs, then half marathons, and finally to the marathon distance. Depending on the runner’s experience level, some may require six months, while more seasoned athletes can be ready in as little as 12 weeks for such a challenge, as noted by Macmillan, which provides valuable resources for charity runners through their marathon fundraising program.

Picking Up the Pace for a Cause

Rachel’s marathon journey began long before her feet hit the pavement in London. Over the years, she has run marathons in diverse locations including New York, Dublin, Lisbon, Rome, and even an extraordinary run at the North Pole and Disney World, displaying her adventurous spirit and love for the sport. She particularly enjoys the vibrant crowd support and electrifying atmosphere of both the London and New York marathons, which enhance the entire running experience.

Marathon fundraising is not just limited to individual efforts. Organizations like the American Cancer Society’s DetermiNation program inspire athletes to engage in various endurance events such as running, cycling, and hiking to raise funds for cancer research. This initiative unites communities in the fight against cancer, offering support and resources for individuals facing such challenging battles. The effort underlines the significance of fundraising events, where every step taken is a step towards eradicating this disease.

Rachel’s story serves as an inspirational reminder of how personal struggles can transcend into community strengths. By taking part in the London Marathon and rallying support for Macmillan, she has not only honored her mother’s legacy but also illuminated the path for others to contribute to a noble cause. In the face of adversity, it’s clear that together, we can make significant strides toward positive change.