Dorset runners take on the London Marathon
The London Marathon starts today, after being delayed twice.
Dorset runners are lining up alongside 40,000 others for the London Marathon this morning.
The 26.2 mile run would usually take place in April but has been postponed twice because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The event is usually a big earner for charities, many of whom receive sponsorship money from athletes running on their behalf.
Lois Skellon
Lois Skellon (pictured above) is one of this year's runners from Dorset. She's running on behalf of Diverse Abilities, a Dorset-based charity that supports disabled people.
She said:
"I’m extremely excited to be running the world-famous London Marathon 2021 in aid of Diverse Abilities! I’ve previously participated in a few half marathons, but this 26.2-mile race will be the biggest sporting challenge I’ve ever faced.
"My close friend Jess Cox is a Support Lead, part of the children’s team at Lily’s place. It is caring and dedicated people like Jess, helping people with physical and/or learning disabilities to achieve their full potential, that inspired me to fundraise for Diverse Abilities.
"The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on people receiving and providing social care, so it is more important than ever that we support Diverse Abilities – so that they can continue to provide vital services."
You can find out more about Lois here.
Matthew Savage
Matthew Savage from Portland is running on behalf of SADS UK after his wife survived a heart attack aged 23.
Lisa Savage, and subsequently the couple's two daughters, were diagnosed with Long QT, a heartbeat syndrome.
Matthew told Greatest Hits Radio Dorset:
"They've had bills put in front of parliament to have mandatory defibrillators in all schools, and sports centres.
"They're trying to make a big difference and the big thing is defibrillators in the community.
"It's just trying to raise their profile and things like the events of the Euros when Christian Eriksen obviously collapsed on the pitch."
The charity has provided a defibrillator for one of the couple's daughters so she can carry it around at school with her, in case of a heart attack.
"I couldn't be prouder of the way they just take everything in their stride, there are times during sports days and things like that when they can't necessarily involve themselves but they always find something to do.
"They're fantastic, they just battle on."
If you'd like to find out more about Matthew, you can do so here.