Selina Ran the London Marathon to raise money for Grove Cottage!

Selina Morgan, from Harlow has so far raised over £3,000 for Grove Cottage by running the London Marathon in 5:29:31 on Sunday 4th October.

Selina’s road to the London Marathon hasn’t been a smooth one, while training for the Chelmsford Marathon in 2019 she snapped her calf muscle. “I didn’t think I would ever run again, but I did, and even after my injury had healed, I lost a lot of confidence worrying my calf wouldn’t hold up. It is going to be a very emotional event for me.” Then just a couple of weeks ago, Selina was unwell and went to A&E for severe stomach pain, however she remained positive she would complete the marathon and achieve her dream.

Selina began running after she had her second child, as she found attending fitness classes difficult due to time and financial restrictions. She said, “When I started running, it was a struggle to make it from lamp post to lamp post, so to now be able to run over 20 miles makes me extremely proud of myself.

“After completing several local races, in 2019 I bit the bullet and entered the Milton Keynes Marathon. Training was hard and lonely, but I was supported by my family and friends. The day arrived and I felt ready and prepared. It was an amazing day and I proudly finished with a smile on my face and my family at the finish line. To this day I cannot describe the emotion and pride in myself for crossing that finish line, however it was not London. Although I’m very proud of this achievement, I still feel that I have not fulfilled my dream of running down the Mall and receiving my London Marathon medal. I have entered the London Marathon Ballot four times but have never been successful – until now.

“Running for such a deserving charity, Grove Cottage, was an added honour. Knowing that the money I raise will go to such a worthy cause just simply adds to the sense of achievement in completing this challenge.” Grove Cottage is the home of Bishop’s Stortford Mencap and provides social and educational activities for people of all ages with a learning disability in Bishop’s Stortford and the surrounding areas.

Jeannie Philip, Community Fundraising Manager at Grove Cottage, said: “We are delighted that Selina ran this year’s London Marathon to raise money for Grove Cottage. She has shown true grit and determination which has paid off and we are so grateful to her. It costs nearly £400,000 to run Grove Cottage for one year and we receive no central funding from Mencap and very little statutory funding, so we rely heavily on support such as this to allow us to continue.”

There is still time to donate to Selina’s fundraising page and show your support HERE