Sychdyn’s Nina Ruddle has crossed the finish line at this year’s London Marathon for Diabetes UK to help raise awareness of Type 1 diabetes. This marks the first time that the 39 year old has run a marathon, completing the 26.2 mile race around some of London’s greatest landmarks in 4 hours and 51 minutes.
So far Nina has raised over £1,200 for Diabetes UK but is planning on organising more fundraising events and hopes further donations might help her to raise even more.
After crossing the line, she said: “The race was an amazing experience and very emotional seeing all runners support fantastic charities. The crowds were incredible and to hear somebody shout your name and encourage you when you are struggling or in pain meant the world and spurred me on. You feel like you want to thank every person that came out to support this amazing event.
“Seeing my family at half way and then at 21 miles kept me going, I promised myself I would enjoy it as much as I could and not walk at any point and I achieved both.
Nina ran the marathon in memory of her aunt and cousin
Nina decided to take part in the marathon for Diabetes UK in memory of her aunt and cousin, both of whom had passed away before the age of 40 due to Type 1 diabetes related complications.
“Crossing the line was incredible relief and total exhilaration. Watching all the families reunite with their loved ones was a very emotional and touching experience and then seeing how proud my children were of me was a great reward as well as raising money for a super charity that is very close to my heart.”
In preparation for the marathon Nina set herself a number of challenges including completing a triathlon and training by running up to 48 miles in a week.
As well as keeping up with her training schedule Nina also raised funds for Diabetes UK and her marathon run by doing cake sales, raffles and a local band night.
You can sponsor Nina on her JustGiving page.
