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| Jo and Bella at the end of the race |
Having trained hard all winter, through the snow, ice and dark nights in preparation for the Virgin London Marathon, a Headbourne Worthy mum, Jo Gualano completed the 26 miles on Sunday 26 April by walking the route.
Although the running conditions were near perfect on the day Jo unfortunately tore her calf muscle just a week before the big day and had to walk the route.
Jo from Down Farm Lane finished in 6hrs 4mins ( a couple of hours slower than her target time!) but has raised over £1200 for the Cleft Lip and Palate Association (CLAPA www.clapa.com.) following her daughter Bella’s experience as a baby.
Now aged 9 and a pupil at St Peter’s Primary School, she was born with a sub-mucosal cleft palate and has made a complete recovery, but her mum wanted to
raise funds and more public awareness for the charity and this particular sort of
cleft palate which presents with no outward physical symptoms.
Mrs Gualano, a self employed pharmacist, said:
"It was a small way to recognise the support we received following Bella's diagnosis with a sub-mucosal cleft palate aged 3. Fortunately Bella underwent corrective surgery and is now a 100% success story; however the awareness of this type of cleft palate is generally poor. It was a privilege to be involved in such a fantastic event; it restores your faith in mankind. There was a truly carnival atmosphere and I’d recommend it as a must for everyone’s ‘to-do’ list.”
To find out more about Jo's "marathon journey" and the work of CLAPA or to make a donation visit: www.bmycharity.com/jogualano |
