A MATRAVERS teacher is close to reaching her fundraising target after running the London Marathon last month. 
Louise Taylor, a PE teacher at the school, took on the challenge with the aim of raising £2,500 for Wizz Kidz, a charity which gives disabled children equipment and support. £2,500 will provide a child with a sports wheelchair to allow them to take part in sports such as wheelchair basketball.
It was Louise’s second time running the marathon, but the first time she has done it for charity – something she says spurred her on in her training.
“This time I was determined to get under 4 hours so I really upped the training and went for it,” explained Louise. “It was quite hard, it was an exceptionally cold winter and I did a lot of training in snow or hailstones. But because I had the charity to think of as well, I was determined.
“I chose the charity because we had a paralympic week at schools, which raised awareness of disability in children. Wizz Kidz do a lot to help kids, and help them be more mobile.”
Despite failing to break the 4 hour barrier, Louise is still really pleased with her time of 4 hours, 7 minutes, and 26 seconds.
Louise wore a black ribbon as she ran and took part in the 30 second silence before the race, following the Boston Marathon bombings earlier that month.
She said, “There was an awful lot of excitement when we were lining up, then over the PA we heard the announcement for silence. Everyone was silent straight away, everyone’s heads were down, it was really respectful. Then we did a 30 second round of applause and that was incredible, that feeling of you can’t stop people doing what they love doing.”
You can still sponsor Louise at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/LouiseTaylor77
Pictured: Louise running the marathon.
