Helen MacGregor, a carer from Greensted residential care home in Wateringbury, ran with all her heart and completed the Virgin London Marathon on Sunday 25th April dressed appropriately as the Queen of Hearts. This was Helen’s tenth marathon for charity and on the day The Abbeyfield Kent Society and her family were there to support and keep her going throughout the epic 26.2 miles across London through rain and sunshine.
Helen has been running for 26 years but last year injured her knee and was told by doctors that she would never run again. She proved them wrong. With the help of her personal trainer, dog Elvis and daughters who ran by her side she started training again and her determination to succeed helped get her through this year’s Virgin London Marathon.
Helen was raising money for Greensted residential care home and The Abbeyfield Kent Society’s 'Who Cares?' campaign which supports residents across its homes who can no longer afford the cost of accommodation. A resident with insufficient funds can be placed in the hands of the Local Authority and be moved to another home, miles away from family and friends. The campaign also raises awareness of loneliness, isolation and helplessness that older people can experience.
Marathon runner Helen comments: “It was hard but I wouldn’t let them down and was determined to succeed. I loved everything about the day, there was such a buzz and great atmosphere. The hard bit now is going to be counting up all the money I’ve raised because so many people have sponsored me including all The Abbeyfield Kent Society’s 15 homes! Its nice being able to give something back to the residents and we need to decide what they want to buy with their proportion of the money.”
Sophie Balaam, Media Executive who was supporting Helen on the day comments: “We’re all so proud of her, she’s our heroine. Even at the end when she was exhausted she still managed to have a smile on her face! It’s such an achievement and all the residents were watching it on TV and rooting for her, she’s the Queen of our hearts.”