Wadhurst runner trains for London Marathon with Olympians

Michael Walsh, a teacher at Barnardo’s Meadows School in Tunbridge Wells, joined Olympians Daley Thompson CBE and Snowy Brooks for a training session.

Barnardo’s vice president, Baroness Floella Benjamin DBE OBE, also attended the session at Battersea Park’s Millennium Arena.

The event was held to thank and encourage runners who will raise money for the charity during the London Marathon on April 26.

Michael said: “Taking part in the training session was great fun and has made me even more excited for the big day.

“I did a marathon back in 2002 and have run a few half marathons since but doing this now as a father of two young boys, eighteen years on, is much more challenging.

“The London Marathon is of course the iconic race and I am looking forward to seeing my family supporting me from the sidelines on the day.

“The training is pretty tough going, particularly with the bad weather we have had lately, but I am going to give it my all and hopefully raise as much money as possible for a cause which I feel passionate about.”

Runners raised £290,000 for Barnardo’s - a national charity that supports vulnerable children - during the 2019 London Marathon.

Chief executive Javed Khan, said: “We are really proud of all the runners taking part in the marathon this year to help raise funds for Barnardo’s.

“Running a marathon is no small feat and we know it takes months of training, preparation and dedication.

“We rely on the generosity of fantastic supporters so we can continue to provide vital services to vulnerable children and young people across the UK.”

Double Olympic gold medallist, Daley Thompson, said: “I was really impressed by all of the runners and their determination.

“I wish every one of them the very best of luck for the big day and urge people to sponsor them.”

Michael Walsh’s JustGiving page can be found here.

Entries to run for Barnardo’s in the London Marathon have now closed.

More information about the charity can be found here.