Another local ‘Gem’

We’ve really enjoyed highlighting the wonderful efforts by local people to raise money throughout the Covid-19 crisis, and today we can share a story about another ‘Gem’.

Despite being cancelled at the weekend, Guilsfield resident Gemma Vaughan has ‘completed’ the London Marathon by using four days’ worth of her daily exercise to clock a cumulative time of 3 hours and 55 minutes.

The teacher completed it with the help of her pupils from Ellesmere Primary School who made famous London landmarks which she, in turn, posted pictures of along the final mile before filming it live for the kids to see.

And the outcome? A whopping £2,232.50 raised for Severn Hospice who cared for her beloved Nana during her final days back in 2014.

Gemma had never even completed a half marathon before and only started running in October, inspired by the incredible support shown by the hospice.

“The love and support they gave to Nana and the family was wonderful throughout,” said Gemma. “The team were so caring and helpful to us all.”

With her Nana’s memory as inspiration to apply for a much sought-after marathon spot marathon, Gem was the only runner to achieve a golden bond place for the charity after telling them why she wanted to run the marathon for them in Powys.

So she wasn’t going to let the Covid-19 enforced cancellation stop her from raising the vital funds, with the help of her Year-1 kids.

“I would like to say a big thank-you to all those who have supported me,” she said.

Gemma still hopes to run the London Marathon for real should the re-arranged event go ahead in October, but in the meantime, if you would like to support her, you can donate through https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/GemmaVaughan7.