A London marathon runner is searching for a generous spectator who donated £800 to her charity after she finished the race with just six minutes to spare.

A member of the public was so touched by Rita Williams-Hall’s resilience they decided to reward her with the cash on Sunday.

The person wrote on her fundraising page: ‘I don’t find inspiration often – today I found it in you’.

The 45-year-old runner ended up raising around £2,000 for the National Autistic Society when she had initially aimed for £500.

She said: ‘I don’t want them to feel forced to come forward if they want to be anonymous, but I would love to thank them.

‘I ran the marathon to raise money for the National Autistic Society, and it was such an unexpected bonus to inspire someone else while doing that.’

Ms Williams-Hall, from Islington, was one of the final six people to complete the race out of 40,000 entrants.

She did it in a time of 7 hours 54 minutes, which was just six minutes from the eight hour cut off point.

She was so far back because she had been experiencing excruciating pain and overwhelming exhaustion.

But Ms Williams-Hall was happy she had the courage to finish the marathon on Sunday.

‘Autistic people can face huge difficulties but it is about raising awareness and making adjustments so people with autism are able to participate in everyday life as much as they can,’ she added.

She has a close connection with autism as the sons and daughters of several of her friends are autistic.

Ms Williams-Hall will continue to fundraise in preparation for the Royal Parks Half Marathon on 8 October. To support her click here.

Mark Lever, Chief Executive of the National Autistic Society, said: ‘Running a marathon is an incredible achievement, and we are in awe of Rita’s determination and dedication to raise money for our charity.’

Source:
courtesy of METRO

by Jimmy Nsubuga

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