Merton resident Gemma Walton was one of 20 brave runners who took part in the London Landmarks Half Marathon in support of the National Deaf Children’s Society on Sunday 24th March.
The charity, which supports the UK’s 50,000 deaf children, will benefit to the tune of £8,000 thanks to the fundraising efforts of the group.
Gemma followed a 13-mile course around some of London’s most iconic landmarks, including the Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral, Trafalgar Square and the Tower of London, and were spurred on by staff and supporters at the charity’s Temple cheer point.
Gemma chose to run for the National Deaf Children’s Society because she had undiagnosed hearing loss as a child and wanted to fundraise for the charity, which believes that every deaf child should be valued and included by society and have the same opportunities as any other child.
Gemma said:
“This cause is close to my heart as I grew up with severe glue ear, resulting in having less than half of my full hearing until I was eight. I didn’t learn to speak until I was four, and no-one picked up on the fact it was my hearing.
“I had never run a half marathon or even run 5k before last summer, so I had a big challenge ahead of me, but I’m very happy I saw it through. The National Deaf Children’s Society makes a huge impact on children’s lives, so it’s great to be able to support such an amazing cause.”
Those wishing to support Gemma’s fundraising efforts can still do so via her Just Giving web page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gemma-walton28
