For nearly 30 years, James Walton has supported Phab through the London Marathon, raising a huge amount for the charity in that time.
Here, he shares a personal reflection on his journey and what’s kept him coming back year after year.
“The London Marathon outlasted two marriages for me. I’ve only had 3 constants in my life over this time: my family, supporting Tottenham (and they’ve let me down enough) and TCS London Marathon.
Ever since my knee surgery a few years ago it hasn’t been the same. Going from targeting 3 hours each year and running 70km per week in training to being asked ‘did you manage to train?’ and trying to get around the course in time to make sure I caught my plane home that night (it was a close thing more than once)… but I kept coming because I believe in round numbers (30’s a nice number) and more importantly… I believe in Phab.
My mother was paralysed from the waist down at 8 years old. She raised me and my brother, worked her whole life and is now coming out to Singapore to visit me in 2 weeks from now at the ripe old age of 82.
That’s what it means for a person with disabilities to live a life. And that’s what I want every child associated with Phab to have. I often said ‘I run for those that can’t’ – I know with Phab that every pound raised over these 28 years as made a difference, has changed a life.“
“I cried more than once on my final lap of London on Sunday. I soaked in every moment. I helped carry a runner for the last mile who had damaged his knee on his first London, making sure he got his moment for all the people who helped me over the years. I stopped at the finish and lingered to say goodbye. I cheered every Phab runner who passed me. I hope some of you will continue to run for Phab in the years ahead and not just consider your journey run on Sunday.
I sign off this year knowing we’ve raised more than GBP 30,000 this year: yes, £30k for Phab for number 30. (Edit: now £34k+).
To all at Phab, past and present: Madeleine, Sue, Janine Williams, Jackie, Steve Turner and more… you know who you are. Thank you for taking care of me. Thank you for getting me to the start line and hugging me at the finish line. Thank you for giving me the smallest chance to change the world, one life at a time. Thank you London Marathon, thank you Phab: for a lifetime of memories over 30 years of 26.2 miles on many sunny April mornings.”
Feeling inspired? You can take on your own challenge for Phab and help make a real difference.
