CONGRATULATIONS to Old Elean, Anna Pearce, who completed the London Marathon on October 3rd.
Anna, 20, who is from near King’s Lynn in Norfolk, only started running earlier this year when she decided to set herself the ‘Couch to 5k’ challenge during one of the lockdowns. Fast forward a few months and Anna crossed the finish line of the gruelling 26.2 mile route in 6 hours and 31 minutes.
Anna was raising funds for a charity very close to her heart – Crohn’s & Colitis UK – as her sister, Lucy, also an Old Elean, was diagnosed with Crohn’s at the age of 12.
Anna hoped to raise £3,000 for the charity by completing the marathon, but she has smashed that target by raising more than £4,500 so far.
She said: “It was the most incredible but painful experience, however I will not rule out doing another marathon one day! To have raised the amount I have is amazing and I would like to thank everyone at King’s who has donated – it really means a lot.”
Anna, who is now in her second year at the London College of Fashion studying Fashion Textiles: Knit, said: “Growing up I have always admired the way Lucy has managed her condition so stoically, and I am pleased to be able to support a charity that in turn supports others living with this invisible condition.
“Crohn’s and Colitis UK works on campaigns to break the silence – changing perspectives, policies and lives. The charity works with healthcare professionals to help improve diagnosis, treatment and management of the diseases. Its team of staff and volunteers give people essential information when they need it – and bring them together to find strength and support in one another. The charity’s vital research grants drive pioneering research to discover better ways of managing the diseases and, one day, a cure.”
To sponsor Anna, visit: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AnnaPearce3