London Marathon 2023: Colin Davis

The London Marathon 2023 is taking place this Sunday, 23rd April. Our CFR Colin Davis is running the marathon and is raising money for his CFR group via the east of England Ambulance Service Charity. Colin secured a ballot place and has been busy training for the big day.

Colin says: “I've always said to friends and family that if I ever did have to run a marathon that it would be on my own terms. So I was glad to get a ballot place and a little bit nervous. That was a bit of an oh my god moment. I really have to start running properly.”

“I'm part of a gym. So I got back in to a bit of exercise, a bit of fitness. I’ve signed up with one of the trainers, so they've been able to train me through what runs I should be doing. Training has actually been really good and really tough. I've run three times a week and gym session once a week,” Colin continues of his training process.

“I had a little bit of a blip last year, it comes to all runners. You have a bit of a blip and you lose the love of running. It took me a little while to get back into it properly in September or October. And once I realised I had a ballot place I was just back. Marathon running, you've got to be able to run. But it's also a lot to do with the mind. I've hardly had any alcohol in the last four months. I want to do well at the marathon and I want to do it right. I don't want to injure myself or anything like that.

I've done nearly all my training runs on my own, which is a mess. In my mind, I feel that yes, I could do the marathon. Maybe the last six miles might not be a constant run. I just want to start the marathon and finished the marathon. A friend said a couple of years ago, he said if you're running, everyone has a marathon in them. So I'm here.

I've got a ballot place, so I don't have to do any fundraising. If you get a ballot place you can just run the marathon for fun however I decided I would just like to raise a little bit of money for our CFR group. And that's always a worthwhile course.”

 

We wish Colin all the best for the marathon and are cheering for him! You can show your support by donating here.

 

Community First Responders (CFRs) operate within the communities in which they live or work, often providing early life-saving emergency aid ahead of ambulance arrival. They are trained and governed by the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust.

Our CFR volunteers are called on any time, day or night, to help reach patients most in need.  Attending around 1,500 incidents per month, their contribution really does save lives, reduce pain and provide reassurance to those requiring emergency care.

Your support helps fund enhanced equipment, uniform and training for our lifesaving CFR Groups.

To find out more about the charity please East of England Ambulance Service Charity (eastamb.nhs.uk)