Ex-patient runs marathon for Gosh

Tuesday 17th April 2012

A former patient of Great Ormond Street Hospital (Gosh) has pledged to raise £2,012 in its name by completing the London Marathon.

Louise Bennett, 28, from Hornchurch, Greater London, was three years old when she was admitted to Gosh with acute myeloid leukaemia. After four doses of chemotherapy, she has been in remission for the last 24 years.

In preparation for the 26.2-mile road race through the capital, she is now undergoing a gruelling training programme which includes running three times a week.

Louise said: "I am really looking forward to the day as the atmosphere will be incredible.

"When my legs start to ache and I begin to feel tired, the fact that I am raising funds for such a fantastic charity will help me to get to the finish line and give something back to the charity that has given me so much. I will be eternally grateful to this incredible hospital."

Louise, an accounts payable manager at the Met Police, is one of 300 people running the marathon on April 22 to raise funds for Gosh.

Laura Savory, challenge fundraising manager at Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity, said: "We are delighted that Louise is taking part in the Virgin London Marathon to raise much-needed funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity.

"Each year, we need to raise £50 million to rebuild and refurbish the hospital, buy vital equipment and fund pioneering research. The money raised by Louise will help us keep the magic alive for children at Great Ormond Street Hospital."

Louise has already exceeded her fundraising target by raising more than £2,500 to date. To sponsor her visit http://www.justgiving.com/louloumarathon2012.

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