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Loughborough student runs three marathons in three days to raise money for NHS

An inspirational student recently ran three marathons in just three days to raise vital funds for the NHS during the coronavirus pandemic.

Photo of student Tom Watson during his marathon challenge

Tom Watson is a postgraduate student studying a master’s in Exercise as Medicine based at the Loughborough campus.

Being unable to help those struggling with the impact of COVID-19 directly, he wanted to find an alternative way to support them. Inspired by Loughborough alumnus and extreme athlete Ross Edgley, Tom decided to contribute by doing an intense physical test.

He was motivated to do the challenge – equating to over 78 miles – to show his support and to thank NHS staff for their amazing work.

Although Tom keeps fit by regularly swimming and playing football, prior to this he had not completed even a half marathon before.

Despite his feelings of anxiousness, he was determined not to fail.

Tom managed to successfully run his marathons in and around his hometown of Mickleover in Derbyshire from Friday 1 May to Sunday 3 May, with supporters cheering him on throughout.

As a result of his efforts, he has managed to successfully raise over £1,900 from over 100 supporters, almost quadrupling his original target of £500.

Tom commented: “I chose to do this not only to challenge myself, but more importantly to pay tribute to the thousands of individuals that are suffering as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, and the heroic efforts of the NHS and key workers at this time. It’s the least I could’ve done.

“I’ve been lucky enough to have had some amazing support and generosity from my friends, family and neighbours along the way.”

Tom’s JustGiving page can be found here.

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