BBK runners take on Royal Parks and Oxford half marathons for Horatio’s Garden
This weekend, members of our Spinal Injury team swapped case files for running shoes and took on two half marathons. Alex Dabek and Henry Ramsay tackled the Oxford Half Marathon, while Charlotte Jose and Matthew Singh took on the Royal Parks Half Marathon in London – all in support of a charity that is at the core of what we do: Horatio’s Garden.
Horatio’s Garden has eight rehabilitation gardens across the UK, each designed by prominent architects to create a relaxed space for patients with spinal cord injuries. The gardens are adjacent to spinal injury centres and allow patients and families to spend time outside, wind down and enjoy the sunshine. Having personally visited both the Stoke Mandeville and Stanmore locations, the difference these spaces make to the local community is wonderful to see. You can read Alex’s recent blog about their summer celebration here.
The miles before the miles
This was not the Spinal Injury team’s first rodeo – all members involved had run at least a half marathon previously. Our most experienced runners, Charlotte and Henry, led the charge (both physically and metaphorically) by heading up our run club over the summer, aptly named ‘BBK Bolts’.
Training over the summer was definitely rough at times, with the team stacking up miles through some of the hottest heatwaves on record. Early mornings and late evenings to dodge the midday sun became part of the routine, and the BBK Bolts had more than enough strength and stamina needed for the miles ahead.
Race day
I’m pleased to say all four of us crossed the finish line and soaked up the brilliant atmosphere of the day.
In Alex Dabek’s own words, here’s how the Oxford Half Marathon went: “Oxford Half Marathon done! I finished only six minutes slower than two years ago, which I’m counting as a success. I wasn’t in my best shape, and a few minor but painful injuries just before race day hadn’t exactly helped.
“Oxford gave us sunshine, warmth and the sort of crowds you wish you could take home for your next training run. There were so many people cheering and shouting my name – just as brilliant as I remembered from two years ago.
“I’ve never eaten so many jelly babies! At some point, they stopped being sweets and became a race strategy.
“I also decided to accept every outstretched hand from the cheering crowds. Those high-fives gave me a surprising amount of energy, particularly when my legs were becoming less enthusiastic about the whole idea.
“Along the way, I met some lovely people, including familiar faces from Horatio’s Garden, my chosen charity for the second time. I’m feeling tired, happy and very pleased that I did it. I tested my limits again for a charity that means a great deal to me – with considerable assistance from the people of Oxford and their jelly baby supplies.”
Keep the miles counting
We’ve raised £1,470 so far, and we are still accepting donations. If you’ve been following our training, or if this is the first you’ve heard of it, there is still time to support us. Every donation, no matter how small, helps Horatio’s Garden keep these vital spaces open for the people who need them most.
You can donate via our JustGiving page here.
A massive thank you to everyone who has sponsored us, cheered us on or simply put up with our endless chat about training plans for the past few months. Thank you, as always, to the team at Horatio’s for the work you do. We are honoured to support such a great cause.
