A senior editorial colleague has raised more than £3000 for charity by completing his first ever marathon.
Jon Gripton, Deputy Group Editorial Director, ran the London Marathon on Sunday (April 22) to collect funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK.
Jon, who is based in Plymouth, Devon, completed his goal for his dad, who has dementia. Having set a target of £3000, as of Friday April 26, his total stood at £3366.
Jon completed the marathon in 5hrs and 11 minutes, putting him ahead of famous faces including actor Christopher Eccleston and comedian Romesh Ranganathan.
Jon explains: “What an incredible experience and an amazing memorable day. It was a real mix of pleasure and a little pain.
“Everyone says it but the atmosphere is euphoric and the crowd definitely help carry you to the finish line.
“I was never expecting to win it or set any records but I’m really happy with my time, for my first ever marathon. And now I’ve got a target to beat for the next one!
“I ran the race for my Dad, who sadly has Alzheimer’s dementia, and I did shed a tear or two as I crossed the finish.
“Can I thank my amazing coach Rebecca McWass and my partner, Victoria? I couldn’t have done this without them.”
Alzheimer’s Research UK is the UK’s leading Alzheimer’s research charity aiming to find a cure for dementia. The charity’s supporters enable the organisation to fund thousands of dementia researchers based across the UK and the world.
The charity funds research on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, such as vascular dementia, Lewy body disease and frontotemporal dementias.
The London Marathon is the latest charity fundraising event completed by Jon.
In September, when he had just developed an enthusiasm for distance running, he ran 60 miles for Cancer Research UK. In 2022 Jon completed a 28-mile sailing challenge for Bowel Cancer West.
To sponsor Jon and help spur him on, go to: https://www.justgiving.com/page/jonrunslondon