Runner proposes after marathon

Monday 23rd April 2012

Charity runner Sean Penny made this year's Virgin London Marathon extra special by proposing to his girlfriend after the race.

The 25-year-old, who was running in aid of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, popped the question to Gemma Austin after completing the 26.2-mile event.

Sean, from Arlesey, in Bedfordshire, who finished the race in five hours and 10 minutes, made the proposal extra special by enlisting the help of singer Jay Norton.

Jay, who has appeared on BBC1 talent show The Voice, serenaded 25-year-old Gemma with his song Forever, before she said yes to Sean.

The singer said: "I'm so happy to be involved, it's just amazing."

Sean was taking part in the marathon in aid of Make-A-Wish after it helped his childhood friend Natalie Brooks in 2002.

The charity, which grants magical wishes to children and young people fighting life-threatening conditions, made Natalie's dream come true before she lost her battle to cancer in 2003.

Sean, who ran with a picture of Natalie, said: "Natalie returned to school the day after her London shopping trip wish and I remember how happy she was. It made me so grateful to Make-A-Wish that I have always wanted to repay them for what they did.

"Sadly, at the age of just sixteen, Natalie lost her battle with cancer and left us in October 2003. This is my way of saying thank you to Make-A-Wish."

To support Sean visit http://www.justgiving.com/Sean-Penny.

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