Flora London Marathon - Your stories
Don't just take our word for it. Find out about what it's really like to take part in an NDCS Challenge and read the story of someone who's already taken on the challenge.
The Bupa Great North Run 2004 was the first run I did, and I chose the NDCS. I decided to take part as I needed the challenge of attempting something I had never considered possible. I wanted to get fit anyway, but the motivation of helping deaf children was a real driving force for me.
The feeling of pure elation as I crossed the finish line was one I shall never forget even though my legs had just turned to jelly! I had done my bit both for charity and in proving to myself what I was capable of, but I was inspired to do more and stretch myself further. I decided to enter the Flora London Marathon 2005. Because NDCS had been so supportive with their training plans and commitment to their runners both before and after the race I asked for one of their charity places and was accepted.
Since then I’ve really caught the running bug. In 2005 I completed the Bupa Great South Run and am currently training hard for my second London Marathon. Prior to this year’s race I had done most of my training on my own. This year I’ve decided to add some variety into my schedule and make it more sociable, so will run with other people by taking part in a few organised pre-marathon training runs as well as the Adidas Flora Half Marathon at Silverstone.
Over the last couple of years I have learnt so much about NDCS and it really has been incredibly interesting as well as being the motivation I needed to keep pushing myself. Now, having met some deaf people, I can see what a difference the right information and support can make to a deaf child’s life. I know the money I have raised so far will have a real impact in terms of so many simple things. As 90% of deaf children are born to hearing parents with little or no experience of deafness I understand how important the NDCS Helpline is.
I’d definitely recommend the NDCS to anyone who wants to take part in a running event. The more events I do the more I learn about the importance of their work.