29-04-2025
Teacher runs London Marathon in memory of Nanna
Ashleigh Waller, Head of Science at Pyrland School in Taunton ran her first ever marathon in London on Sunday in memory of here Nanna and in doing so raised £1735 for St Margarets Hospice.
Ashleigh who is 30 years old attended Courtfield School in Wellington before gaining a degree in Chemistry at St Andrews University in Scotland said: 'When my Nanna was told she had a life-limiting illness it felt as if the world was ending. My beloved Nanna, who had raised me alongside my parents, would be leaving us and we could do nothing about it. Coming to terms with this was among the most challenging things I have ever had to do.
Ashleigh Waller with her medal gained for taking part in the London Marathon (Image: Ashleigh Waller)'In the last few months of her life she was supported by St Margaret's Hospice, spending time in their hospice at Taunton where she received exceptional care. Visiting her regularly became something to look forward to and the hospice supported our family to begin to process the impending the wonderful staff at the hospice a challenging time would have been so much worse.
'St Margarets Hospice charity touches the lives of so many and for both patients and families brings hope and calm when both feel hard to come by.'
Ashleigh went on: 'I love running and have always wanted to complete a marathon. Having the opportunity to run the London Marathon in my Nanna's honour, for a charity that made an awful time more bearable, was the motivation I needed to get out on those long training runs.
Ashleigh Waller taking part in the London Marathon (Image: Ashleigh Waller) The Pyrland head of Science completed the marathon distance of 26 miles 385 yards in 6 hours, 4 minutes and 13 seconds was overwhelmed by the support of the vast crowds.
'There were so many people watching and willing you on that it just kept you going". I had never run beyond 18 miles before, so it was unknown from there but the crowds played their part and just kept me going. The whole experience was just the best day of my life and I have raised £1,735 for St Margaret's Hospice, which I am thrilled about.'
Ashleigh's Mum Cathy said "I am so proud of Ashleigh and her Nanna would have been too and I think I was more anxious than Ashleigh was on the day"
Grandad, John said "I am immensely proud of Ashleigh's achievements and she was her Nanna's best friend!'
