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 The 12th July was a very special day for the Cancer Laryngectomee Trust as twelve brave volunteers ran through the streets of London to raise money for the Charity and enjoy the sites as they went.
We were blessed with good weather (sunny but not too hot) and the race start at 9.30 meant that the heat of the day was not at its strongest. There were 27,000 people taking part and a lot of supporters and helpers to cheer them on. The race route of 10 kilometres took in some impressive sites including Trafalgar Square, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. The roads were closed to traffic which gave wonderful photo opportunities. The Mall without any traffic in it was a chance too good to be missed and our runners seemed particularly photogenic.
Our runners came from Kent (organised by Len Hynds) and Colchester. Len was accompanied by his wife, Tilly, who did sterling work by displaying our sign on her knee in her wheelchair and we also had Dave (a fellow laryngectomee) and Len’s daughter Pat to keep us in order. Len had organised ten runners in all including his doctor and nurses from the Hospital in Ashford where he has been a patient. I was so impressed that they were willing to give their time in their off duty moments to supporting the Charity. They are serious runners who were quick to discuss race times afterwards when I would have been more than content with finishing the same day as I started!
 Also in Len’s group were Jimmy and xxxxxxxxxx who were able to meet when we met at the minibus after the race. We saw Jimmy running through Trafalgar Square with a very serious look on his face. There was no way he was going to let many people overtake him.
From Colchester came Vicky and her brother Danny running in memory of their mother Rosalie Miles. They were supported by Danny’s wife who had a fantastic vantage point on the bridge over the Embankment. We enjoyed seeing the pictures she had taken of Vicky and Danny as they ran underneath. Their enthusiasm was clear for everyone to see.
My husband Chris and I had travelled from Wiltshire to represent the Charity and support the runners. Our daughter Elly who lives in Clapham lent us her bed for the night and joined us to watch the race.
Both she and Chris felt that joining in the race next year was worth thinking about as it was inspiring to see the runners as they put their hearts and souls into supporting their particular Charity. Throughout the race there was music played over loudspeakers of the distinctly British variety. Land of Hope and Glory was one I recognised. As we watched so many people willing to support so many different Charities I felt that there was plenty of hope for the future and I hope the runners felt the glory they clearly deserved for all their efforts.
 Roll on 10K 2010.
Race Website
www.thebritish10klondon.co.uk
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