A 42-YEAR-OLD from Penarth who took up running just 20 months ago has smashed the London Marathon.

Nick Morgan, from Penarth, took to the street of London on October 3 to conquer the Virgin Money London Marathon – completing the challenge in four hours and 21 minutes, raising an incredible £2,630 for charity.

The iconic event had been put on hold since April 2019, due to the covid pandemic, with 350 British Heart Foundation Champions taking part in England’s capital city, and more than 100 British Heart Foundation runners taking part virtually.

Mr Morgan took on the 26.2-mile feat in memory of his father, David Morgan, who died in 2009.

With a history of heart issues in his family, Mr Morgan wanted to show his daughter how to be healthy; he took up running at the beginning of lockdown in 2020, as cancellation of other sporting activities limited his options to keep fit.

After crossing the finish line, Mr Morgan said: “Taking part in the London Marathon was a huge challenge and an incredible experience.

“Due to the pandemic, it’s been a long wait to get to the start line and I’m proud of what I’ve achieved and the money I’ve raised for the British Heart Foundation.

“The atmosphere on the day was electric and I want to say thank you to all the amazing people on the side lines cheering me on, they really inspire you to keep going and put a smile on your face.

“I’d like to say a huge thanks to everyone who has donated, your support and knowing that the money I have raised will help the British Heart Foundation raise vital funds for life saving research for people in the UK living with heart and circulatory diseases was also a huge motivator.”   

OTHER NEWS:

British Heart Foundation – like many charities – has struggled during the covid pandemic, with its income cut in half last year.

So far, British Heart Foundation London Marathon runners collectively more than £911,000 which will go towards improving the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of heart and circulatory diseases.

Events Manager at the charity, Lizzie Moscardini, said: “It’s fantastic to see Nick’s determination and courage in helping the British Heart Foundation raise lifesaving funds for people living with heart and circulatory diseases. 

“The stories of why our amazing supporters take part never fails to amaze me and it was incredible to be back at this legendary event, cheering Nick and our other BHF runners on.

“It’s thanks to the commitment of people like Nick that the BHF has been able to continue to fund groundbreaking discoveries including pacemakers and genetic testing for inherited heart conditions that help transform lives.”

To sign up to run for the BHF in next year’s London Marathon, visit  www.bhf.org.uk/londonmarathon2022