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GP runs London marathon to raise money for children’s charity

A GP ran the London marathon last weekend to raise money for the charities that provided support when her young son underwent open heart surgery.

Dr Alison Findlay, a GP in Malvern, Worcestershire, completed the 26 mile course in four hours and 45 minutes, raising £1,200 to be split between the Ronald McDonald House Birmingham and Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

Dr Findlay’s son William, who was born with a congenital heart defect, underwent open heart surgery at the hospital in 2011.

Dr Findlay decided to raise money for Ronald McDonald House Birmingham, which provides free ‘home away from home’ accommodation to families with seriously ill children, as she was able to stay conveniently close to William for 10 nights while he was in hospital

She said she chose to raise money for the charity freed her from accommodation worries during a difficult time: ‘Having such a young child in hospital is every parent’s nightmare. Fortunately, I was able to stay right near William while he was recovering from his surgery. I was relieved that I wouldn’t have to worry about finding other accommodation nearby or, worse, travelling back and forth from Malvern.

‘The staff at Ronald McDonald House Birmingham were terrific. William is now two and is doing well and in good health, and I’m pleased that I have now had the chance to show my appreciation to everyone that helped us.’

Commenting on whether she will run again next year, she said: ‘Everything is sore and right now another marathon is the last thing on my mind! However, never say never. I enjoyed the experience hugely and was pleased to be able to do something to help such worthwhile causes.’

Donations can still be made on Dr Findlay’s JustGiving page.