Wednesday 25th April 2012

Clay Cross woman Cheryle Berry (pictured below with her medal) has completed this year's London Marathon in aid of first aid charity St John Ambulance - and hopes to raise at least £2,000.



The 63-year-old completed the course in six hours thirty-six minutes. It is the 12th year she has run the marathon, the last three of which she has run in aid of St John Ambulance.

"I have been involved with St John Ambulance for seven years in Derbyshire and once again, I felt extremely proud to be representing the charity in the London Marathon. There is a great respect amongst the runners for St John Ambulance and the reassurance of knowing that the volunteers are there to make sure that first aid is available to anyone who needs it."

Over 1,000 St John Ambulance volunteers worked with the London Ambulance Service to treat 4,850 runners at this year's Virgin London Marathon, while over 30 competitors were taken to hospital. Most of the runners who required treatment suffered from cramp, sprains, vomiting or faints. Sadly there was one fatality.

BBC newsreader Sophie Raworth was among the 160 people running to raise funds for St John Ambulance's charitable work. Sophie, who last year collapsed and required treatment from St John Ambulance volunteers, finished without needing first aid, and said she felt "on top of the world".

St John Ambulance provides trained and equipped volunteers at events across the country, helping thousands of people who receive crucial first aid when they need it.

For more than 30 years, the charity's volunteers have been on hand along the 26.2 mile route of the London Marathon and at first aid posts to help runners and supporters who may need first aid. 

Over the last 10 years, people taking part in the annual race around the capital have raised £2.4 million by running on behalf of St John Ambulance.

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