AN Ely runner is celebrating completing the Virgin London Marathon on Sunday.
Daniel Walker, 24, from Ely, ran in support of Age UK, the leading UK charity for older people, and YouthNet, the online young people’s charity, helping to raise thousands of pounds for a life-changing project to tackle loneliness and isolation across generations.
He completed the 26.2 mile course in an impressive 3 hours 43 minutes.
He said: “The Virgin London Marathon was by no means easy, but all the training paid off and the atmosphere on the day was just incredible.
“I got amazing support from the crowd and the cheerers really spurred me on along the route.
“I feel so proud that I’ve raised funds for Age UK and YouthNet’s amazing work and know that it will change lives for the better.”
Research from the charities shows that 34 per cent of people aged 65 and over in Great Britain feel lonely and 19 per cent of young people rank loneliness as a top fear for the future alongside debt and money worries.
The money will be used to set up a digital service which offers isolated older people the chance to learn how to use the internet and take advantage of ways to stay in touch such as email and online chat, as well as saving money and finding out about new hobbies.
You can still support Daniel at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/DanielWalker10.
For more information on Age UK and YouthNet’s Virgin London Marathon team go to www.runforit.org.uk or call 0800 169 87 87
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