This Sunday 3rd October, colleagues from the UK community bank, Metro Bank, will join thousands in the 40th London Marathon.
Since the London Marathon began in 1981, runners have raised over £950 million, which has gone directly to their selected charities. The London Marathon holds the world record for the largest annual single day fundraising event. This iconic race starts in Blackheath, through London’s spectacular skyline, along the Thames, over Tower Bridge and continues through central London before finishing on the Mall in front of Buckingham Palace.
The Metro Bank colleagues participating are Georgia Dunsdon, Ralph Connolly-Redpath and Geoff Wakefield. They will be running for St Christopher’s Hospice, Willen Hospice and Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals respectively.
“As a community bank, we are always keen to help local charities,” explains Georgia Dunsdon, Bromley Metro Bank assistant store manager “I have been training to run the 26.2 miles since the end of 2019. The charity I am running for is very close to my heart because they provided end of life care to my nan who was admitted to the hospice for full time support. My family will always be thankful for the invaluable help they offered when we needed it. Thank you to everyone who has helped me in raising over £1000 which the hospice will really appreciate.”
Ralph Connolly-Redpath, Northampton Metro Bank local business manager added “My family and I will forever remain thankful to Willen Hospice for looking after my dad last year before he passed away from cancer. That was a difficult time for us and we were humbled with the level of support we received. I am delighted to have raised almost £1000 already, thanks to everyone who has contributed.”
“I was not able to sign up for the actual marathon but I am happy to still be able to participate in the virtual marathon,” explains Geoff Wakefield, Model Governance Analyst. “I would like to thank everyone for helping me raise £280 so far during my training which will be donated to Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, a charity which protects animal rights, because in times of human challenge, like the current pandemic, the plight of animals is so often put on the back burner.”
Across London, every Metro Bank store close to the route –which are all open on Sundays – will champion their support of London’s Marathon runners.