A project manager who works in an orthopaedic hospital is running this weekend’s London Marathon for the third time to raise money for a spinal injury charity.
Richard Scott, from Radlett, will be running in aid of Aspire, which provides practical help to people who have been paralysed by a spinal cord injury.
This will be Richard’s sixth marathon, and as a member of Porters Park Golf Club in Radlett he has organised many charity events, including regular golf days, in aid of Aspire.
Richard, who has lived in the town for 40 years, is currently working as redevelopment project manager at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore, where Aspire and the Aspire Leisure Centre are based.
He said: “I am looking forward to taking on the challenge of the London Marathon again.
“However, although I am well on my way to reaching my fundraising target of £2,000, I am finding fundraising a lot more difficult than previously.
“I have been involved with Aspire many times over the years, which has allowed me to meet some of the spinal cord injured people they have helped, all of whom speak of the guidance and support they received from Aspire which enabled them to move forward towards an independent life.”
Having last run the London Marathon in 2012, Richard was persuaded to run it again this year by his two nieces, who asked him to help them complete their bucket list after they moved from Johannesburg in South Africa to London.
So far Richard and his nieces have been to sporting fixtures including the Six Nations, to Lords to see South Africa play cricket and to Cardiff to see them play Rugby.
Next up is the marathon, and Richard’s nephew will also be flying in to take part.
Andrew Ogierman, challenge events manager at Aspire, said: “Aspire prides itself on the support we offer our runners and we are always delighted when people choose to return and run again on our behalf.
“It is great to welcome Richard back to our marathon team.
“He epitomises the event - truly embracing the challenge of running 26 miles while fundraising to help people who have been paralysed by spinal cord injury.”
To sponsor Richard go to https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RichardJCScott
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