'A dream come true': Islanders shine in record-breaking London Marathon PHOTOS
Islanders joined more than 56,000 runners on the streets of the capital for the record-breaking London Marathon on Sunday (April 27).
Guinness World Records has confirmed that a total of 56,640 runners crossed the finish line at the end of the 26.2-mile route.
Among them, many Islanders took on the challenge in support of causes close to their hearts.
Gemma Fletcher, a cancer MDT co-ordinator at St Mary's Hospital, raised funds for Cancer Research UK.
Gemma Fletcher passing the Palace of Westminster (Image: Contributed)
After finally securing a place in the marathon through the ballot, Gemma described the moment as 'a dream come true.'
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Ahead of the marathon, she said: "It's a dream come true to get into the London Marathon on the ballot after about seven years of trying."
Gemma chose Cancer Research UK because of her professional connection to cancer treatment and her personal interest in the latest research.
Nathan Docksey with his London Marathon medal (Image: Contributed)
Also representing the Island were Nathan Docksey and Rob Reynard, who completed the marathon in support of The Wight Brainy Bunch.
Nathan, an experienced runner, crossed the line in three hours, 29 minutes, and 7 seconds, while Rob followed in five hours and 46 minutes.
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The charity's co-founder, Kathryn Grimes, said: 'We are so very proud of you both and hope you are of yourselves, and also truly grateful that you chose to represent our little charity at this huge event. Please now take a well-deserved rest.'
Rob Reynard with his London Marathon medal (Image: Contributed)
Danielle Barton, reception manager at Denbigh House Dental Practice in Ryde, completed the gruelling 26.2-mile route in under six hours.
She ran to raise money for Wessex Cancer Support.
Danielle Barton, middle left, on Tower Bridge (Image: Denbigh House Dental Practice / sportograf.com)
Several members of the Ryde Harriers, one of the oldest running clubs in the UK, also took part in the marathon.
Making his debut at the distance, Chris Newnham – guitarist in the band Plastic Mermaids – delivered an extraordinary performance.
Chris Newnham on Tower Bridge (Image: sportograf.com)
He reached the halfway point at Tower Bridge in just 72 minutes and finished in a remarkable time of two hours, 26 minutes, and 56 seconds, placing 91st overall in the Mass event.
Chris had only taken up running in recent years!
Chris Newnham during the marathon (Image: sportograf.com)
Dave Hunt faced a tough race and struggled early on, but still finished in two hours, 49 minutes, and 12 seconds.
Meanwhile, Jacky May was rewarded for her hard work with a finishing time of five hours and 56 minutes.
Dave Hunt, Carly Scoble - who was sadly unable to finish the marathon - and Chris Newnham (Image: Ryde Harriers)
Kit Maytum, Connor King, Callum Watkins and Bradley Lane-Williams tackled the course in support of Young Lives vs Cancer.
The friends who grew up together and remain close despite living apart now have a personal connection to the cause.
In September 2023, a tumour was discovered on Kit's right lung, leading to surgery and a loss of about 25 per cent of his lung capacity.
Connor King, Callum Watkins, Bradley Lane-Williams and Kit Maytum after completing the marathon (Image: Young Lives vs Cancer South Fundraising)
Read more: Friends from the Island to run London Marathon for cancer charity
Ahead of the marathon, Kit said: "We are running the London marathon to raise as much money and awareness as possible... it is so important to help support charities like Young Lives vs Cancer."
Together, all four have raised over £9,000 for the charity.
A team of four from WRS Systems – Cailemb Wolsey, Ben Smith, Sophie Jackson, and Luke Bodington – also successfully completed the marathon.
Collectively, they raised an incredible £12,200 for Wessex Cancer Support.
Lorraine White, interim head of community and events fundraising at the charity, said: 'Everyone associated with Wessex Cancer Support is so proud and grateful to all 15 runners who took part.
'They absolutely smashed their fundraising target - an amazing achievement by everyone."
Cailemb Wolsey, Ben Smith, Sophie Jackson, and Luke Bodington after the marathon (Image: Contributed)
WRS Systems said: 'They've only gone and done it!
"Months of hard work, dedication, and training paid off. We couldn't be prouder of you all!'
Nick Lane also ran for Wessex Cancer Support, raising over £2,800.
Despite being knocked over at mile nine and having his bib ripped off, he completed the marathon – his first.
Nick Lane, front, on Tower Bridge (Image: sportograf.com)
Nick said: 'Thanks to my family for supporting me the whole way around. I was thinking of pulling out at mile 14, but they got me through.
'It was an incredible experience, and I'll be back stronger and quicker next time.'
Nick Lane after completing the London Marathon (Image: Contributed)
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