Running novice, Jodie Winkler, from Torquay who was inspired to run the London Marathon to help vulnerable children and young people proudly crossed the finish line on Sunday to raise hundreds of pounds for The Children’s Society and J7 Community Health Centre.   

The trainee therapist who currently works for The Children’s Society at their Checkpoint service in Torquay completed the gruelling 26.2 mile course in 4 hours 1 minute on Sunday 23 April. Her job has inspired her to support the charity’s work with children in Torbay and across the country who are affected by issues related to mental health, poverty, or exploitation.   

As a Learning Disability Nurse who is passionate about health and fitness, she also wanted to raise money for J7 Community Health Centre who provide free personal training sessions to people with learning disabilities.  

Jodie has always been interested in fitness but not running and entered the ballot on a whim having only completed a 5K race in the past. To her surprise she won a place. She then decided to make even more of the opportunity and raise money for causes close to her heart. So far, Jodie has raised £2170 towards the charity’s work with vulnerable children and young people, and to help make exercise more accessible to people with learning disabilities.  

Reflecting on her achievement, Jodie said: “I am so thrilled to have completed this year’s London Marathon – it feels fantastic! Once I found out I had a place for the marathon I wanted to raise money for The Children’s Society as I have seen first-hand the important work they do with young people to change lives. I also wanted to raise money for J7 Community Health Centre as they uses fitness as a way to empower people with disabilities to push themselves to believe they are more than just their disability.” 

The Children’s Society’s Chief Executive, Mark Russell, says: “Completing the London Marathon is a truly remarkable accomplishment and I am so proud of Jodie who is one of our amazing team in Devon. Her outstanding efforts will help to make a real difference to young people’s lives. We are so grateful to Jodie, along with all of our London Marathon runners for taking part and supporting our vital work.” 

Jodie’s online sponsorship page can be viewed at https://gofund.me/3fabf10d