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Hello from Halo, Belinda, and Matthew!

The three of us are passionate about the difference osteopathy can make to health, and the difference the oF can make to osteopathy. This year we are taking on the massive challenge of the virtual London marathon to support the oF. 

Halo used to be an ultra runner but hasn't contemplated such distances since the onset of rheumatoid arthritis over a decade ago. It was an osteopath who helped get her back on her feet and she plans to take it very slowly and steadily over the course of the whole day. 

Belinda enjoys long distance walking but walking this distance will be a challenge, mostly in terms of stamina and keeping going for possibly 10hrs.  The next few months will see her building up her endurance and her route will largely be determined by the weather on the day.

Matthew hadn't actually planned to run this in 2021 - he thought he was signing up for updates to run in 2022! He has stepped up to the challenge, dusted off his running sneakers, and is determined to represent the team with a good finish time. 

We all work for the iO and oF and have seen first hand the impact the oF has - it provides loans to students who wouldn't otherwise be able to finish their studies, funds projects that promote and build the profession, and contributes to essential research. We are proud to put in the effort for such a worthy cause and have paid our own entrance fees. 

To pick just two things we've done: we have funded a project to reduce pressure on and waiting times in the NHS (which needs no explanation of just how important that is now) through the use of osteopaths, and a study into identifying and treating concussion in rugby, really important if you've seen the news on early onset dementia in rugby and football players.

The Virtual London Marathon takes place at the start of October. We will each have to plot our own 26.2mile route and finish it within a set 24 hour period. We will be tracked by the official app and our times and distances uploaded online. Your support is massively appreciated and will keep our spirits high as we put in our training!