Two Islanders have been training and making painstaking sacrifices to take part in today's London Marathon, where they'll be raising funds for local good causes.
Annabel Robbins and Paul Thorley joined forces to take on a brutal training regime in aid of Wessex Cancer Support (Isle of Wight) and Luke Orton from Sandown/Shanklin RFC.
Luke, who Annabel is raising money for, has been paralysed since breaking his neck playing rugby on the beach in Ryde last summer.
You can donate to her fundraiser here.
For Annabel this will be her first tilt at the event, while it's Paul's second London Marathon.
Annabel told Isle of Wight Radio:
"I’d run one half marathon last year before I found I'd been accepted for London, so this will be the furthest I’ve ever run (26.2 miles).
"Paul’s been great, and good support, but I do like my 4.30am runs - which he refuses - to get them out of the way before work!
"I'm not aiming for a specific time, I just want to enjoy the day and soak up the atmosphere - but obviously if I manage to make it round without face planting then that would be a bonus.
"I'd love to get a good enough time to be able to get the boat home for a roast dinner!"
For Paul, this is his second marathon, having made his debut at the event in 2022.
He said:
"After my last marathon in 2022, I promised myself I would never do another one, but as hard an event it is, it's simply one of the most amazing things you can experience.
"It’s a true testament of humanity, the support from the crowd, the cheers, the banners, strangers willing you on and wanting you to finish.
"So then my running friend 'bells' (Annabel) gets into the ballot, and we've stuck to our plan and nailed it.
"I cant wait for my first beer of the year after this!"
The last few years have seen Paul raise more than £15,000 for Wessex Cancer Support.
You can donate by following this fundraising link.
Good luck to both Annabel and Paul today!
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