Running in memory

Corporate accounts manager at Topcon, Johanne Lazenbury, has raised more than £2700 for the MS Society after completing last month’s London Marathon (23 April).

Ms Lazenbury ran the 26.4 miles in memory of her mum, who had severe MS, and while she says that running a marathon was never on her bucket list, she was inspired after watching the 2016 race from the comfort of her own sofa. 

“I entered the ballot last May and quickly forgot all about it,” Ms Lazenbury shared, adding: “Imagine my surprise when, at the end of October, the letter arrived saying I was in. I was totally gobsmacked, anxious, but excited at the same time.”

Having begun training in November last year, Ms Lazenbury finished the race in five hours and 14 minutes. 

Reflecting on race day, Ms Lazenbury said: “Crossing the finish line and collecting the medal felt sensational. I was so proud of my achievement and made it in an even better time than I had expected. I probably could have finished a little faster, but wanted to take in the whole London Marathon experience – I was high fiving people, dancing and singing every time I came around a bend.”