St John Ambulance Cymru Sales Executive takes fundraising in her stride

On Sunday 23^rd April thousands of runners will line up in London’s Greenwich Park to take on the iconic London Marathon, and Barbara Rostocka, St John Ambulance Cymru’s Sales Executive will be amongst them making her London Marathon debut.

Barbara will proudly wear her St John Ambulance Cymru running shirt to take on the 26.2 mile route around the River Thames, passing the Tower of London, the Houses of Parliament and Nelson’s Column before arriving at the finish line on The Mall.

Barbara has been training hard for the event, despite the added complication of uncooperative Welsh weather. She said, “I have been following training plan which includes combination of distance running and strength training. This wasn’t easy during the winter months.

I’ve been gradually increasing my mileage each week and focusing on my nutrition and hydration. I’ve done lots of research and took advice from experienced runners and coaches, as well as reading articles about marathon training to learn best practice and how to avoid common mistakes. It’s amazing how much mental and physical strength it takes to run this much. The road to 26.2 miles is a long one, but I’m up for a challenge!”

Barbara has worked for St John Ambulance Cymru for just over three years, and has seen the impact of our life saving first aid training, so when a charity place in the London Marathon became available she jumped at the chance to help raise funds for this vital cause.

She explains, “St John Ambulance Cymru serves the people of Wales by providing essential first aid training and playing an important role in enhancing the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities.

I couldn’t be more thrilled to be running for our charity.

My initial goal is £1,500, but the fundraising doesn’t stop there. I’ll continue to engage with supporters and promote our charity to make an even greater impact!”

Fundraising for St John Ambulance Cymru helps Wales’s leading first aid charity to provide free first aid training for schools and community groups, and ensure that our volunteers can be there at events the length and breadth of Wales to keep people safe.

Alan Drury Community & Events Fundraising Manager said, “This is one of the UK’s most iconic running events, and we are proud to be supporting Barbara along her London Marathon journey.

By taking part, not only will she be achieving a lifelong ambition, but she will be helping to raise vital funds  to support our lifesaving training and support in communities all across Wales.”

Barbara is just short of her £1,500 target, and you can help her to reach it by donating on her JustGiving page, HERE.

Her next challenge is a little closer to home. She’ll be putting her best foot forward again in October at the Cardiff Half Marathon. If you’d like to join her there St John Ambulance Cymru still has some charity places available at the Cardiff, Swansea and Llanelli Half Marathons, you can find out more by contacting our fundraising team on 029 2044 9626 or by emailing fundraising@sjacymru.org.uk