Jeremy Joseph ran his fifth London Marathon last Sunday, just days after G-A-Y proudly announced it had hit the magic £250,000 mark in its fundraising for the Elton John AIDS Foundation…
Whether watched from the armchair comfort of home or roadside with the hundreds of thousands of spectators, the London Marathon is easily one of the most emotional experiences to be had in the capital.
There are the highs and laugh out loud moments as larger than life cartoon characters, portly gentlemen in Wonder Woman costumes and bum cheeks in Borat mankinis parade by, the heart-tugging family members running for loved ones lost to terminal illnesses and the heroic men and women who have lost limbs in the service of our country, but refuse to succumb to adversity and who’s bravery and determination are awe inspiring.
But I was there for just one man, Jeremy Joseph, as a year of training and wet winter mornings came together for this, his fifth London Marathon. Arriving by taxi bike in what looked like a quilted little black dress, Jeremy was the most nervous I have ever seen him.
There was a bug going around his staff at work and he had been feeling decidedly ropey for the past 24 hours, but with knees strapped up and clutching an energy drink he was determined and ready for the off.
Weather wise it was a gorgeous sunny day, perhaps a little too warm for running, but great for the spectators whose boost to morale at the low moments is so important. At 10am the claxon sounded and, along with 36,336 other runners, Jeremy started off on his 26.2 miles.
After a fast initial 5k (26:50) he settled down in to his anticipated race pace and ploughed through the tarmac in the only event where the ordinary man in the street can race alongside champions and Olympians.
Despite feeling ill, and the hot sun, Jeremy managed to shave more than 6 minutes off his record time, and virtually sprinted over the line in just under 4hrs 15minutes.
Raising money for the Elton John AIDS Foundation and awareness for HIV in conjunction with the 56 Dean Street clinic, this year for every mile he completed a first timer took an HIV test back at G-A-Y HQ.
Knowing your status can save your life so by the completion of his marathon, 26 people were better educated and more in control of their futures. By the morning of the marathon Jeremy had raised a whopping £254,405. And the fundraising isn’t over yet… Keep reading QX as we bring you news of the next charity events that Jeremy and Team G-A-Y are planning!
