London Marathon runner beats the odds to raise funds for Honeypot
This weekend thousands of runners will battle the London Marathon, amongst them will be Honeypot Supporter Oli Plummer who will be taking on the challenge for the second year in a row.
Last year was his third attempt at the marathon after a harrowing journey with cancer, COVID-related cancellations and injuries that prevented his previous attempts. Oli saw Honeypot as a cause he truly resonated with and used the strength of our young carers to push himself through to the finish line.
We caught up with Oli to find out more about his experience running for Honeypot in the London Marathon.
1. What made you decide to run for the London Marathon and support Honeypot?
“I originally signed up to the London Marathon in 2020. It was a way for me to celebrate my newfound appreciation for my health. In April 2017, I was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer. It was a pretty grueling battle, one that at times I didn't think I was going to win. After two years, I finally found a place of stability with my health. I wanted to celebrate my recovery with a challenge, the fact I was diagnosed in April and the marathon was in April felt like the perfect opportunity to do exactly that.
I'm so pleased, I found The Honeypot Children’s Charity, not only have they been incredibly supportive and understanding to me over the last three years, which motivated me to do well in the race, I also resonated with their ethos, their mission to help deprived children. For me, the person you become as an adult is so dependent on your upbringing, and If I could take on this challenge as a personal achievement and raise money for a charity that would not only help children now, but set them up for a future, felt very fitting and special.
2. How did you find training leading up to the race, were there any challenges?
Originally signing up in 2020, I had two cancelled from COVID and unfortunately had to pull out of the 2021 and 2022 marathons due to injury. I had to find a fine line between starting training and not training too soon as I knew my body was vulnerable, so planning started a little late. My first run was on the 1st March. When I found out that my injuries weren't causing any problems, the next 5 weeks were all about playing catch-up. Trying to cram as much into a short space of time. It did feel a little stressful at times and if running again, I would definitely allow another month, but on this occasion it worked.
3. How did you find the day of the race, what was it like for you?
Hard! I think without doubt the hardest physical test I’ve ever been put through. At the same time, it was beautiful, and the best thing I’ve ever done. Running with the energy of thousands of other runners and supporters was something I’d never really experienced. There were a good half a dozen miles where the support carried me.
4. What is your advice to anyone thinking about taking part in the marathon and supporting our cause?
I think running for a charity that you really believe is doing good work helps motivate you and want to do well. They’ve been awesome and very good to me and looking forward to staying in touch and hopefully running more marathons down the line for them.
In terms of running advice, fuel yourself throughout, every 5km get that food in you! And someone said to me on the morning of the race, which at the time I thought was a little dumb, but in fact when I was running it really helped. ‘The quicker you run, the quicker it’s over’.
Last year Oli completed the race in an astounding 3 hour and 46 minute finish time, we will be there cheering you on from the sideline again this year.
The Honeypot Cheer Team will be by Canary Wharf underground, at Mile 18, come say hi and join in the cheering if you are nearby!
Good luck to our 12 runners who are taking part in The London Marathon this weekend!
The young carers on Respite Break at Honeypot Pen y Bryn in Wales have sent a message.
To find out how you can get involved in supporting Honeypot, through a sporting event or fundraiser, get in touch with our friendly team today.
Update: See Oli get his medal and follow him on socials here.