Hundreds of thousands raised for charities by runners in London Marathon - The Jewish Chronicle

Hundreds of thousands of pounds have been raised for communal charities by runners in Sunday’s London Marathon.

Norwood’s team of 18 generated a total £76,000. Among them was Eli Dias, who had set himself the challenge of completing the “London Classics”, also including Ride London (a 100-mile cycle) and Swim Serpentine (a two-mile event). He finished in 5:53 and is close to his £7,500 financial target.

As part of her 80th birthday celebrations, great-grandmother Flora Franks completed her 44th marathon for Norwood (and also Emunah) in memory of both her husband Herbert and brother Nissim. Coming home in 7:26, she is hoping to reach a £5,000 sponsorship target.

Cousins Rafi Herman (4:43), Jacob Lauder (4:00) and Harry Dryan (5:11), ran for the charity because of the support it provides to their relative Zachary, who was born with a rare syndrome called Worster-Drought, as well as having autism, and lives in a Norwood adult residential care service. They have collectively raised around £13,500.

Danny Ogen 2

Danny Ogen

Marathon first timer Robert Kastner, 54, took part in recognition of the care provided to 27-year-old Jake, a non-verbal autistic tenant in Norwood’s supported living services.

He had previously participated in cycling challenges but had never run further than 10k prior to taking on the marathon. Finishing in 4:25, he raised £12,400.

Father and daughter Nitzan and Mia Yaniv ran their first marathon — and they say probably their last — for Norwood to mark their respective 50th and 21st birthdays.

Ms Yaniv said that “pre-lockdown, we were both borderline couch potatoes. Like most people, we hated running. So training for and completing the marathon was an amazing achievement for both of us. It was the most special experience running with my dad.”

They finished together in 4:43 and have raised close to £10,000.
At the finish line last year, Jake Norton told himself “never again”. But he was back running for Norwood “in the knowledge that I am in some small way helping people who really need it”. Coming home in a creditable 3:26, he has raised more than £3,700.

One of Chai Cancer Care’s team of 10 — raising a total £39,000 —was Danny Ogen, who ran in memory of his father and said he was spurred on to a time of 4:08 by the crowds along the route. “The atmosphere was electric; people were cheering, calling out names of runners and pushing us forward. Was it hard? Yes! Was it worth it? Absolutely!” He raised around £1,400.

Mia and Nitzan Yaniv

Sara Goldstein and her boyfriend Ben Mesrie brought in a combined £12,400 for Chai, finishing respectively in 4:32 and 4:17.

Ariel Shapiro, who travelled from Israel to take part, felt “honoured” to run for the charity. “Having seen several family members battle cancer and knowing that the money raised will improve the emotional welfare of cancer patients, their families and friends makes the many hours of training worthwhile.” He clocked 5:23 and raised £1,300.

Justin Saunders (6:03) said that what got him to the finish — and sponsorship of £4,800 — “was the knowledge that Chai supports people like my brother and nieces without any limits and with the love and warmth they need.

“Achy, sore and could cry at any moment. But I feel so incredibly proud to have run in memory of my sister-in-law for such a wonderful charity.”

Alison Hillier (5:08) raised £2,800 “in memory of a special friend to continue the vital work Chai does supporting her dear family”. Other Chai runners included Joe Lister, Sam Simon and Dylan Stephens.

Camp Simcha’s quartet ran up £13,000 for the charity’s support for families with a seriously ill child. Jonny Phillips’ ninth marathon for Camp Simcha was completed in 3:56 and he said it was the best atmosphere he had experienced. “The crowds were phenomenal.”

On his first, Danny Myers (3:53) was raising money for Camp Simcha’s Evie’s Night Owls overnight respite project, established in memory of Evie Bladon, who would have turned ten this year.

“We are friends with Evie’s parents, Sam and Lee, and I have heard from them the difference that overnight respite made when they were caring for Evie. So running with that important cause in mind really meant a lot and was definitely a driver to keep going.

“It was fantastic seeing so many iconic sites along the way. The cheering and support from all the spectators and volunteers continually gave an extra injection of energy.”

Joe Metliss (3:43) described his first marathon experience as “incredible”. For Brian Gordon (4:15), fundraising for his sixth marathon began at the Jubilee when he grew a beard and painted it red, white and blue.

“With the bands playing as you went along, kids high-fiving you and amazing support from the crowds all the way through, it’s just the best experience,” he said. “I have already signed up for next year.”

Nicole Benjamin, 37, who has psoriatic arthritis, completed the course in 8:38 in aid of Versus Arthritis.

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