12 Apr 12 people to run the London Marathon for local leprosy charity
On Sunday 28th April, 12 people are set to embark on the 26.2 mile challenge across London at the London Marathon for UK based international leprosy charity, Lepra.
This year, team members are coming to London from across the UK and around the world, including Columbia and Miami.
Leprosy affects millions of the most vulnerable people in the world, causing life-changing disabilities and attracting extreme prejudice and discrimination. But there is a cure. The charity works to beat leprosy in India, Bangladesh and Mozambique by finding, diagnosing and treating people affected by the disease.
A first time runner, Paul Rinder comments about why he chose to run for Lepra:
“I was stunned and saddened to find out that leprosy is still so prevalent, as I had previously thought it was a disease of the past, and especially as it is a curable disease. I wanted to run the London Marathon for Lepra as it is my local charity, and it does such amazing work bringing relief to the most disadvantaged people affected by leprosy. I have a hugely supportive family who have helped in charitable donations, and gave me lots of encouragement on a cold Sunday morning to continue training.”
Sophie Bailey-Smith, a previous intern at Lepra comments about the tough training she had to endure for the big day after recovering from an injury:
“I was really enthusiastic to start my training for the London Marathon; however during a weekly hockey match I twisted my knee. My GP later told me that I had sprained my knee and needed to take time out of marathon training, but I was determined to continue. After seeing a physiotherapist, I started an altered training plan with special exercises to help me continue training. I am excited to be taking part in the marathon, and to be running for such a fantastic charity. I worked at Lepra as an intern, where I learned more about leprosy and lymphatic filariasis and gained an in depth knowledge about the great work Lepra does to help those affected.’’
Visit https://bit.ly/2HwQcsw to sponsor Lepra’s runners.
