An amazing run! 15-10-2021
Jeff Graham completed The Royal Parks Half in just under 2 hours, with a time of 1:57:26! For a first time half-marathoner, that is a very good result. Jeff was one of 22,500 runners taking to the start line of the iconic and picturesque Half Marathon through four of London's Royal Parks. The weather was nice and cool at the start, at 12 degC.
Jeff is an experienced runner who has run many races, but had never run a half marathon before and never run in such an iconic place. The route went past such icons as Trafalgar Square, Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Place and round four of the Royal parks - Hyde Park, St James's Park, Green Park and Kensington Gardens. At one point, it meant running up the Mall toward Buckingham Palace, with every lamp-post adorned with a Union Jack - a magic moment! At every part of the course, spectators hung over the barriers to cheer the runners on; music blared out to give heart to the runners, in particular massed drummers pounding out a beat. Jeff has met the Batala Lancaster drumming band before, at an event at Staveley, in the Lake District and they had a place in Hyde Park.
The final straight was close to the Albert Hall after passing the Albert memorial, where crowds ten deep welcomed the runners back. This race was Jeff's first half marathon, but one that was very close to his heart for personal reasons. By taking part in the race, he was fundraising for the MS Society and his daughter Jenny. So far, Jeff has raised an incredible £1350, and we want to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who donated; it means the world to Jeff, Jenny and their family! Jeff visited the MS Society stand in the enclosure at the end of the race. The picture above is taken on the stand.
Multiple Sclerosis is relentless, painful and exhausting, and there's currently no cure. The diagnosis was a devastating shock for then 23-year old Jenny and her family. Jenny has had numerous episodes over the years which have temporarily affected her sight and mobility, and she suffers daily from the condition. She has got on with life, dedicated to her career in nursing. Jenny cares for children with life-limiting conditions and has recently also become a clinical educator. She has just got on with life, and as she says - what else can you do? You can't lock yourself away in a dark room. You have to get on with whatever life serves you up. And this is true for everyone diagnosed with MS.
That's why the MS Society matters. They are dedicated to their research into MS. As they say, "Together we can stop MS. Today multiple Sclerosis is relentless, painful and exhausting. But tomorrow, we believe we can change that."
Jeff did brilliantly on the Royal Parks Half, and we invite all of you to help him by donating to MS Society through Jeff's JustGiving page. It would mean the world to him and Jenny and all others whose lives are affected by this condition.
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jeff-graham2020
