Runners thank first aiders for help
at Virgin London Marathon
Runners who were treated by St John
Ambulance volunteers at the Virgin London Marathon have been
sending us their thanks.
Thanking members for their help
We have received emails and letters from many of the
runners who were given first aid treatment thanking our
dedicated members for their help.
Pete Burke, from Doncaster, contacted St John Ambulance London
(Prince of Wales's) District after being treated near the end of
the 26.2mile course.
He said: 'The 2011 Virgin London Marathon was my fifth marathon.
I was aiming to finally break the three hour barrier, and I felt
really good. I was on target until mile 25 when it hit me.
'I was really struggling to lift my legs and really wanted to
shop. Finally my legs gave way with 300 yards to go! I finally got
across the line but wasn’t feeling too good to say the least, and
that’s when St John Ambulance Volunteers helped me to a treatment
tent, where I could lay down.
'They were very attentive, I was given water and sweets. My legs
were really cramping and the young lady managed to get me a leg
massage to help.
'I was obviously very dehydrated but after a few minutes I was
able to clear the bed for the next person, who I’m certain wouldn’t
have been far behind me.
'My local club organises races and we always have St John
Ambulance in attendance. Now I realise what a vital job you do, and
without such help, none of the events would take place.'
They were wonderful to me
Janet Greenwood, from Tunbridge Wells, needed help for shoulder
pain, 'By the time I got to the end, my shoulder hurt like blazes –
it was worse than my feet,' she said.
'The man in charge of the first aid station handed me over to
two very capable young ladies, who took my details and made me
smile.
'Two paracetamol and some ice on my neck sorted the problem so
that I was able to head home. I know they would have dealt with
people in real distress, but they were wonderful to me and I'd love
to send them a hug.'
St John Ambulance treated
4623 people at this year’s Virgin London Marathon,
and 90 people were taken to hospital.
Ann Cable, Commissioner of St John Ambulance London (Prince of
Wales's) District, said: 'We believe that first aid should be
available to everyone who needs it, so we are always pleased to
hear from people who we have helped.'