Newtown College hairdressing lecturer, Hannah Pritchard’s Virtual Marathon Run

Thousands of people across the UK took part in the virtual London Marathon this week. Amongst them was Newtown College (@NPTCGroup) hairdressing lecturer, Hannah Pritchard.

Whilst Hannah was disappointed not to encounter the iconic landmarks of London, she did complete a gruelling 26.2 miles within the breath-taking scenery of Mid Wales. Running from Elan Valley with the wind and rain lashing down, and then on to Hannah’s hometown, Llanidloes where the sun shone and supporters were there to greet her. For Hannah, it was all worth it.

Back in October 2019, Hannah was thrilled to find out she had been successful in gaining one of 17,000 ballot places in the 40th London marathon. There were 457,861 applicants, which gives only a 3.71% chance to get a ballot place. Hannah was quick to begin a training plan. However, as with many other large gatherings, the Marathon too was impacted by the COVID pandemic and its original date of 26th April was pushed on to the 3rd of October, then it was changed to a virtual event.

Although Hannah had a ballot place, she wanted to support a charity and chose to run in aid of the Brain Tumour Charity. It’s a charity close to her heart with her cousins’ friend’s five-year-old son, Charlie Robinson fighting against Ependymoma brain tumour. Charlie has undergone brain surgery several times. With many fundraising events on hold or cancelled, Hannah was keen to get behind the charity. Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40. You can follow Charlie on Facebook: #ThumbsUpForCharlie.

Hannah said:

“Running has changed my life. Two-and-a-half years ago I joined a couch to 5k running group, I was so unfit and felt overweight and now I’m proud of what I have achieved and Charlie has inspired my training and I would like to thank all those that have supported me, both fundraising and on my journey. In particular my running buddy Jan Powell, her husband Ant and my husband Dan.”

Well done Hannah!