On May 18th 2019 we will be organising and running our 100th marathon in memory of Valerie Harrold. All the profit from organising this event and any other money raised will go directly to Leonard Cheshire Holehird Nursing home in Windermere who provided excellent 24 hour care to Valerie following her life changing accident in September 2013.
Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing/meeting Valerie will know she loved nothing more than being outside and a usual day for Valerie would either be out exploring the great outdoors in walking boots or running shoes. Some of Valerie’s greatest achievements were walking John O’Groats to Lands’ End, Climbing Kilimanjaro and going to Everest Base Camp. As well as completing some of the marathon world majors in New York, Boston, Berlin and London (just had Chicago and Tokyo to do). Valerie completed 25 marathons as well as several halves, 10 and 5ks. She was an inspiration to so many and always encouraged and supported others to reach their goals.
Sadly on September 3rd 2013 Valerie had a life changing accident whilst on a walking holiday in Austria, which resulted in her having a severe head injury, she was paralysed from the neck down, partially sighted and she lost the ability to swallow. Following her accident Valerie spent over 6 months in hospital before moving into Holehird Nursing Home where she received 24 hour nursing care. Sadly on September 25th 2018 Valerie passed away.
We had both started running marathons before Valerie had her accident and at the beginning of 2013 we ran Malta, London and Edinburgh with Valerie. Prior to her accident we had both only ran a few marathons. Valerie had a passion for running and we know she would be so proud of us both for working towards our 100th marathon.
We still have a few more marathons to run before May 18th but we will keep you updated. For further information on the Bentham Marathon please visit www.benthambeagles.co.uk
