Fundraisers Complete 2019 London Marathon
30th April 2019
Raising over £7,500 between them, and pictured here proudly showing off their medals, both runners were first time entrants to the London Marathon!
Rachel Webster, who works for Barclays bank and served in the Army for 26 years, decided to take up the challenge on behalf of the Royal Hospital due to her long connection with Chelsea Pensioners Tony Hunt & Nick Clark. Completing her first ever Marathon in under 5 hours (an impressive 4 hours 48 mins), Rachel was ably coached by Tony, himself an experienced Marathon runner, completing 42 marathons and 5 ultra-runs, his last being in 2011.
"It was great having Tony always available at the end of the phone to discuss my progress and to offer me encouragement" Rachel explained.
While Tony worked with Rachel on the training side, Chelsea Pensioner Nick Clark acted as her chief publicist and supported Rachel in her fundraising, including collecting at London's financial district last week. So far Rachel has raised a staggering total of over £5,000, but has comitted to continue fundraising in order to achieve her target of £10,000.
Dean Guidera is no stranger to marathons, having himself completed numerous marathons and ultra-runs over the years, but like Rachel this was Dean's first attempt at the famous London Marathon. Dean, who is the son of Chelsea Pensioner Mary, wanted to run in support of the care his mother has received while being a Chelsea Pensioner.
"In December 2017, my mother began life as a Chelsea Pensioner and over the following 16-months I have seen first-hand the remarkable work that goes on at the Royal Hospital to look after the wonderful ladies and gentlemen that reside there" Dean reasoned.
Not being content with the challenge of the demanding 26.2 mile course, Dean undertook to complete the course wearing army boots and laden with a 20kg backpack! Incredibly he managed to complete the run, crossing the line in a respectable 6 hours and 21 minutes and raising over £2,200.
The Royal Hospital Chelsea would like to thank both Rachel and Dean for their incredible efforts and magnificent performances on Sunday. We would also like to thank everyone who supported their fundraising efforts.
Allan McLaren, Head of Corporate and Business Development at the Royal Hospital Chelsea said: "It really demonstrates the high regard and affection all those who sponsored Rachel and Dean have for the Royal Hospital and the Chelsea Pensioners".
