London Marathon pair cheered on by Chelsea Pensioner
19th April 2017
Chelsea Pensioner Fred Richardson completed the London Marathon in 1984 aged 58 and remembers the feeling of "immense pride as well as the aches and pains of the day!"
For this year's London Marathon, he was on hand to offer advice and encouragement to two runners who generously decided to raise money in aid of the Royal Hospital Chelsea Appeal.
Aksana Lloyd - wife to the Royal Hospital's Chief Clerk - has lived among the Chelsea Pensioners for the last 10 years, and was really excited to be able to run in support of the place she has been able to call home. She managed to complete the 26 miles in 6 hours and 31 minutes after sustaining an injury halfway through the race.
Nigel Organ also chose to run for the Chelsea Pensioners. For the past 5 years he has been responsible for the maintenance and servicing of the Chelsea Pensioners' mobility equipment and has got to know many of the Pensioners.
He said before the race: "This is my chance to give something back. I am hoping to complete the course in under 5 hours but that is nothing compared to how much the Pensioners have given to the country."
The pair met with Chelsea Pensioner Fred at the Royal Hospital Chelsea in the week leading up to the race. He had with him his 1984 winners' medal as encouragment, and gave the runners some fitting advice: "Don't drink lots of water in one go, take it in small sips. Once you are halfway through the distance, the second half is all downhill!"
The Royal Hospital Chelsea thanks both Aksana and Nigel for their fundraising achievements, and hopes their muscles have fully recovered!
