Esther Gotink
Esther did it !!
Fundraising for Kidney Research UK
Story
Thank you so much for all your support, both financially and emotionally, my London Marathon challenge was the best experience ever!
It was a very slow start: being at the very end of the runners crowd, it was hard to get into a good pace and rhythm, but eventually my run consisted mainly of overtaking others (including Katie Price and Peter Andre, thank goodness, and most of the rhinos and vegetables and Mr.Happies/Tickles/etc). The heat was overwhelming but I kept telling myself not to stop (at points I was screaming inside: 'You can walk any other day for the rest of your life, but NOT THIS ONE!')
I was blessed by priests alongside the road twice (very refreshing), I chatted for a couple of miles with Al Barley who ran in his Essex Police Uniform and who I'd met already at the Brentwood half marathon six weeks ago (he has taken part in every London Marathon since the event started 28 years ago), and I cracked up over Elvis who managed to run and sing at the same time - hilarious impersonation! I loved all the kids who shouted out to all the runners but couldn't read my name so fast: ''Go John! Go Tim! Go Pat! Go Es...shfmbl''). I didn't hit the wall as they call the moment your legs give in, I drank enough not to faint or throw up (as I've seen a few around me do) and I kept running through crowds and crowds of walking people - felt very Rocky, Eye of the Tiger!! :-)
My time was certainly not a record breaker but at least I can say that I didn't stop once, while fully soaking up the atmosphere and smiling all the way to the finish. With your wonderful contributions I managed to raise lots of money (see above) - a massive thank you!
Special thanks to:
- Nichola, Clair and Hanneke who are the bestest friends a girl can wish for,
- Natural History Museum for funds raised @ the charity cake bake,
- Chilmark and Fonthill Bishop Primary School for their special mini marathon in aid of Kidney Research
- Kyokushin Karate dojo in Finchley for their sponsorship
I've got a big fat medal and the cheesiest grin on my face ever - and no one is going to take those away from me!!
If some of you wanted proof of my running abilities before donating:
I hope you are convinced now and will dig deep in your pockets!
Thank you kindly.