By Mike Wiltshire

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A Norwich grandmother has run a half marathon in the city to raise cash for needy children in India and the Philippines.

 

Among the record number of 2,263 runners in the 25th Norwich Half Marathon were many who ran for charity and worthy causes at home and abroad.

 

While most runners on November 29 were young people, the eldest was aged 80. Typical of many was Lois Wiltshire, a 57-year-old healthcare worker and grandmother of eight, who ran the half-marathon again this year in aid of the Samuel Mercy Orphanages in India and to support village children in the Philippines who lost everything in the recent typhoon.

 

“Yes, it was a bit of a struggle, but I’m grateful to many Christian people who sponsored me,” gasped Lois as she crossed the finish line to win her medal.

 

There was a great atmosphere at the Norfolk Showground as rain clouds cleared away and runners received their medals and a generous goody bag at the end of the race.

 

Organisers estimate the event raised at least £30,000 for charities.

 

Runners came from many parts of the UK to rake part in the event which was overshadowed at one point when Italian student, Paolo Natali, 29, was stripped of his title as event winner after it was revealed he was running under someone else’s number.

 

Rival runner, Ian Kimpton, 23, an Oxford graduate of Lincoln Athletic Club, crossed the line 31 seconds behind the Italian and was thus declared the official winner.

 

Anyone wanting support Lois’s fund raising for needy children in India and the Philippines can email her at loiswilts2@aol.com

 

Pictured above is Lois nearing the half-way mark of the race.