Paris Marathon fundraising success for Leeds Beckett lecturers

The friends, who are lecturers within the University’s Carnegie Faculty, are - Senior Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Physiology, Dr Michelle Mellis; Principal Lecturer in Sport, Physical Activity and Health,  Dr Zoe Rutherford; and Senior Lecturers in Sport and Exercise Psychology, Dr Faye Didymus and Dr Laurie Patterson. They all completed the 26.2 mile marathon after months of training.

Dr Mellis, who was raising money for Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA), commented: “With more than 50,000 runners taking part in the marathon, the atmosphere heading down the Champs-Élysées was incredible. Running through a beautiful iconic city was such a highlight and I've already said I would do the Paris Marathon again.

“We’ve collectively raised more than £7,500. Within that I have raised just over £3,000 for MND association and had the added emotion on the day as I was now running in memory of a friend who died from MND 10 days before. He didn't get to see me complete it but he definitely motivated me to get over the line.

“Once we were all finished, there was hugs, a compulsory Arc de Triomphe finisher photo, followed by a well-deserved beer and crepe!”

Dr Didymus who was raising money for the Lymphoma Association after her fiancé, Jon, was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma (a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system) last year, said: “Taking part in the Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris 2016 was one of the most challenging, exhausting, and rewarding experiences that I have had to date.

“The atmosphere on the day was electric and the fan zones along the route helped to boost tired spirits with live music and refreshments. The camaraderie between runners was something quite special and it was fantastic to be part of a multinational event where so many people had selflessly invested to raise money for charity. Crossing the finish line was overwhelming and surreal; I had imagined that moment during months of running training and gym work so to be there, crossing the line, with three of my friends and colleagues, was unforgettable.”

Dr Patterson was fundraising on behalf of Mind UK and Dr Rutherford for MacMillan UK and Coppafeel! - a charity on a mission to stamp out late detection of breast cancer.

Follow their journey from training through to the marathon day via the Twitter hashtag #CarnegieGirlsCan.

You can also still support #CarnegieGirlsCan by donating at the following links:

Dr Mellis: www.virginmoneygiving.com/MichelleMellis.

Dr Didymus: www.virginmoneygiving.com/FayeDidymus

Dr Patterson: www.virginmoneygiving.com/LaurieClaxton

Dr Rutherford: www.virginmoneygiving.com/ZoeRutherford1

Top photo (from L-R): Dr Rutherford, Dr Patterson, Dr Didymus and Dr Mellis.