A Canning Town runner will be hoping he doesn’t need assistance from the charity he is running the London Marathon for.
Harry Papanastasiou is raising funds for St John Ambulance, who will be providing more than 1,000 first aiders to treat injured runners and spectators on the big day.
For 49-year-old Harry, the charity is close to his heart as volunteers have helped his mum, who has dementia, on several occasions.
The engineering surveyor is embarking on his second London Marathon, having run on behalf of Dementia Care last year.
“Seeing the money roll in was as rewarding as running,” he said.
“The whole experience was gruelling, fantastic and the best and worst thing I’ve ever done!”
Last year’s run hasn’t put him off, though – he has been training in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park three times a week with the Sweatshop Running Club.
He said: “I was exhausted after doing a 15 mile run on a sunny day recently so I’m praying it’ll be cool and cloudy on the 24th.”
To sponsor Harry, visit virginmoneygiving.com/HarryPapanastasiou
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