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London Marathon duo boost for YMCA Norfolk 

YMCA Norfolk has benefited after two determined supporters completed the 26.2 miles of the Virgin Money London Marathon on Sunday to raise money for the Christian charity.

YMCA Norfolk key worker, Joseph Bickerdike and BreakwaterIT operations director John Gostling joined two dozen runners who were raising funds for YMCA projects across the country.

John (pictured above) completed the marathon in a personal best of 3 hrs, 35 mins, 34 secs in memory of his father, Les Gostling who worked for YMCA Norfolk and who passed away in November. 

John said: “Dad worked for YMCA Norfolk and helped 100s of young people over the years. 

“It was such an inspiring day running with 38,000 other people, most of whom were running for other great causes and with their own reasons for doing so. I saw gorillas, Fred Flinstone & Barney Rubble and a CheeseString along the way, maybe one year I'll dress up too.”

So far John has raised almost £1400 and you can still sponsor him here.

JoeBickerdikeMarathonTV370For Joseph the marathon was the first leg of a double challenge to raise money for YMCA Norfolk, to be followed in September by the 360-mile Tour de Y bike ride.

He achieved a major publicity coup along the way by making it onto the BBC1 national news bulletin later the same day (pictured right in green) and finished his first-ever marathon in a creditable 4 hours, 6 mins, 12 secs.

He said: “I am elated to have survived my first marathon!  It was an amazing experience with so many people lining the route and cheering on everyone who was running.

?“At the YMCA in Norwich we work to support young people to develop their full potential in mind, body and spirit.  I work with young people affected by homelessness and I know first hand the amazing impact that this fundraising could have. I'd also love to help break down stereotypes that we so often have of young people, homelessness and those on benefits.”

So far Joseph has raised almost £500 and you can still support him here


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