Published on 2 October 2020
A mum is taking part in this year’s London marathon on Sunday – along the coast of Kent.
Susanna Thomas will run from Herne Bay to Margate and back as part of this year’s virtual race, which will see just 100 elite runners tackle a course in the capital, with everyone else conquering their own routes.
The changes are due to the coronavirus pandemic and Susanna, who is raising money for East Kent Hospitals Charity’s Tiny Toes appeal, said it would be a completely different experience.
She said: “I’ve done two marathons before so I know what to expect usually but it will be very strange not to have the support of the crowd or the atmosphere of being part of such a huge event.
“It was a bit of a last-minute decision to take part so there hasn’t been as much time to prepare and train as I would have liked.
“But I’ll be doing it with a friend and our families will join us for the odd mile or two.”
Susanna, who lives in Faversham, has supported the Tiny Toes appeal – raising funds for the neonatal intensive care unit at William Harvey Hospital in Ashford and the special care baby unit at the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital in Margate - since her daughter Amy was born almost two months prematurely.
Now a healthy six year old, she has suffered no lasting effects of her early birth, but Susanna said it was a terrifying time.
She said: “At the time it was like my whole world was ending.
“Amy spent a month in the neonatal intensive care unit and it was unimaginably difficult. There are no words to describe how grateful I am for the care she received.”
Susanna, 41, has previously raised £2,600 for the appeal by running the Brighton Marathon, and around another £800 by asking friends and family to donate money rather than buying Christmas presents.
This time she is hoping to add another £500 to that total.
To donate, visit https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SusannaThomas
