Runner takes on virtual London Marathon to raise money for charity Rockinghorse

Andy Fountain took part in the first virtual Virgin Money London Marathon raising nearly £300 for the children's charity.
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Andy is a veteran runner from Brighton, it was his fourth London Marathon and he followed a course around Cowfold.

On the race, Andy commented: “I am excited to be running the 2020 virtual marathon for Rockinghorse this year. Without the skill and dedication of the teams at the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital and Rockinghorse my son would not be the young man he is today.

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“Whenever I can take on challenges to raise money for Rockinghorse I do, and this year especially has put a lot of pressure on charities, so I am eager to raise money and awareness.”

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Andy

Jo Barnett, Executive Director at Virgin Money Giving, said: “Despite the ever-changing environment, it’s hugely uplifting to see thousands of fundraisers, like Andy, going all out for causes that are important to them. Charities rely on this support to continue their work.

“UK charities are really struggling with the loss of revenue as a result of Covid-19, so it’s more important than ever to show our support and dig deep, if we can.”

The charity was set up more than 50 years ago to improve the lives of children after recognising that there was a demand for additional resources to better healthcare services. Rockinghorse is best known as the official fundraising arm of the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital, in Brighton, but works with children throughout Sussex.

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The charity offered support to Andy and his family when son Eddie was born with Tracheoesophageal Fistula, which meant that he had to undergo several hours of surgery at only a few hours old. Eddie remained under the care of the hospital right up to his 18th birthday.

The virtual 2020 Virgin Money London Marathon took place on Sunday, October 4 and participants have 23 hours 59 minutes and 59 seconds (from 00:00 to 23:59:59 BST) to complete the 26.2 miles remotely, which they can choose to run, walk or jog.

This is the first time that the race, which is now in its 40th year, will be run virtually, following Covid-19 restrictions. Approximately 45,000 runners will take part across the world.

Andy is raising money via his Virgin Money Giving page.

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