London marathon runners in Harborough: Louise smashes the £2,000 barrier for charity

Heroic Louise Wylie has run her first marathon – and smashed through the £2,000 barrier for charity.

Louise, 41, of Great Glen, is now recovering after storming the virtual London Marathon on Sunday October 4 with her two running buddies Charlotte Loasby, 48, and Linda Bradshaw, 57.

The ecstatic mum-of-two said: “It was hard but we loved it.

“We had a fantastic day, we’ve boosted three brilliant charities and we have become marathon runners – what a day!”

Louise said she has become great friends with Charlotte, also of Great Glen, and Linda, from Wigston, after they have all joined Oadby-based Parklands Ladies Running Club.

“We all started running from the war memorial in Great Glen on Sunday.

“We went out past the Co-op, past my home and back around the village, grinding out 1.5-mile loops,” said the youth and community worker.

“The support that we got was just amazing.

“People were beeping their car horns while our families, friends and neighbours all came out in the rain to cheer us on.

“Their backing was absolutely priceless and they kept us moving when the going got tough in the last few miles.

“We turned my house in Great Glen into a marathon base.

“We passed it twice and the noise was incredible,” smiled Louise.

“I finished in 6 hours 18 minutes – and we all got over the line within about 10 minutes of each other.

“We struggled a bit at the end but it was all worth every step and stride.

“We’ve all stepped up from doing half marathons – so we are so proud to have completed the full marathon.

“I’ve raised about £2,000 for UK Youth, Linda’s already collected over £1,800 for Wishes 4 Kids and Charlotte’s made over £2,300 for Shelter.

“My special London Marathon app actually failed on the day, which was disappointing.

“But I was wearing two watches so that we could properly measure and time the full 26.2-mile distance.

“It was an unforgettable day, very emotional, and one we will all treasure for ever.”

If you would like to support Louise, Linda and Charlotte you can visit their online fundraising pages here:

https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=LouiseWylie4&pageUrl=1&fbclid=IwAR1b-Bke7hDdXOa7AvIDZLUR5TyTvoV63IpSIfjm2p_MKuQABCiFrgaoXKY

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Linda-Bradshaw5?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=Linda-Bradshaw5&utm_campaign=pfp-share&utm_term=f09cb0e109c74e6189e81ddc3cd4c858&fbclid=IwAR1CSSWm6sOmhLFD0r_Z9V1jfXaiICysazDgMptPkSGgkhZPqUhUs0_eyJk

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Charlotte-Loasby?fbclid=IwAR398K3AbKtb0TeLnNp1-3WQOP1oImgwB0BpQTXcwU46xQdM97gTeTYUerg