Fab five make capital gains

Kerry Stoten, Mercedes Hamilton, brothers Deepak and Pardeep Chand and Alistair Sutton laced up their trainers for the London Landmarks Half Marathon.

They were part of a record 20,000 runners on the 13.1-mile Whitehall to Trafalgar Square route in April and raised more than £2,600 after putting their collective best feet forward. And they’re thrilled now the final fundraising total has been worked out.

Kerry is a People Development and Medical Leadership Trainer at New Cross Hospital, running compassionate and medical leadership training. She has also been a patient with ulcerative colitis.

She said: “I had an aim of three hours, and did it in two hours 47 minutes, raising £400.

“It was a great atmosphere and really fun to run around the landmarks and see all the cheer stations, music and people dressed up. Having my cheerleaders there – my seven year son, husband and best friend really helped when I was tired and flagging. I’m really proud of the achievement and thrilled to raise money for such a great organisation, knowing that it will go directly to help staff and patients locally. “

Deepak, Directorate Manager of Ophthalmology, said: “I managed two hours and one second – I wanted under two hours but was struggling from mile three as I just physically felt tired.

“But I managed to do my fastest time to date. The day was brilliant and I would encourage anyone to consider entering as running is great for mental and physical health.”

His brother Pardeep wanted to test his limits.

“I completed my run in just under one hour 44 minutes. Including all the Gift Aid my total funds raised came to more than £500,” he said.

“The run was fun; the weather was on our side and the crowds were brilliant. It was very nice to see all these people running for a charity or some sort of good cause. Total respect to them all.”

HGV driver Alistair Sutton’s training initially stalled due to a back injury.

But the two-time full marathoner, was supported by New Cross Hospital Healthcare Assistant partner Laura Green and her two daughters.

He said: “I absolutely loved the day of the race. My finish time was two hours 42 minutes and would’ve been better but I was dogged with fitness issues on the run up to it.

“The race was like running through a 13 mile long party, the whole vibe was just amazing. I raised about £375.”

Mum of two Mercedes, a Staff Nurse at New Cross Hospital, said: “It took me three hours and six minutes and I raised £252.

“The route was hilly in parts but I really enjoyed the atmosphere which definitely kept me going, I was really proud of myself and glad to have my parents and children watching and supporting me. “

Amie Rogers, Fundraising and Lead Digital Engagement Officer for Your RWTC, (The Trust’s Charity), said: “What a fantastic amount raised – £2667.63. A huge thank you and well done to our five fundraisers.”