The two charities, who are working to improve the lives of the
750,000 people living with the most common cancers in men and women
in the UK, are aiming to raise £1 million from the fundraising
efforts of TeamPB runners.
The 830 strong team of runners was lead by celebrity team
captain Amanda Mealing, the actress best known for her role in
Holby City and who has had breast cancer, and the Smooth Radio
presenter, Mark Goodier, who ran to increase awareness of prostate
cancer after losing his father-in-law to the disease.
Upon completing the gruelling 26-mile course, Breast Cancer Care
Ambassador Amanda Mealing, whose time was 4 hours, 44mins, said: "I
was hugely honoured to be asked to be team captain. I had an injury
in training in my calf, but I take my responsibilities very
seriously and in fact, being captain helped me through my training
as it meant I needed to be strong and to keep going!
"There was a Team PB group on Twitter and I have met a lot of
people - there was a fantastic sense of community spirit. Even as
we were running along we were encouraging each other, patting each
other on the back. I have never before experienced that sense of
unifying love and support.
"It has been the most amazing experience of my life, for one it
is my birthday! A birthday I shall never forget. As I was reaching
the finish line someone announced that it was Amanda Mealing's 45th
birthday, and then I realised that was me!
"There are many people who have two members of their family with
both illnesses so it really is the perfect partnership of the two
charities"
Supporter of The Prostate Cancer Charity, Mark Goodier said: "It
is a privilege to support The Prostate Cancer Charity and Breast
Cancer Care in their year of being the joint official charity of
the Virgin London Marathon.
People have been fantastically generous in helping me raise more
money than I ever have before, which I am very grateful for because
it help contribute to the work of these two charities."
Over the past few weeks TeamPB has gained the support of a
wealth of well known faces including Geri Halliwell, Les Ferdinand,
Boris Johnson, Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Lisa Snowdon, all of whom
sent messages of support to the runners as they were training for
the epic 26-mile challenge. Other celebrities including DJs Edith
Bowman and Fearne Cotton, and Harry Hill leant their support by
creating musical playlists for TeamPB runners to train to.
TeamBP runner Avni Mashru, 32, from London ran the marathon for
her dad Chota, who passed away two years ago after suffering from
prostate cancer, as well as her aunt Vibha who is recovering after
having treatment for breast cancer. She said: "This is the third
time I have taken part in the London marathon. My aim has always
been to run it in less than four hours and today I managed to run
it in three hours and 51 minutes! It was third time lucky for
me! I so enjoyed the atmosphere and seeing Tommy Walsh and
Rudolph Walker when I came in for my massage was amazing. It's a
great combination of charities, as everyone knows someone who has
been affected by breast or prostate cancer. It's so important to
raise awareness so that people know to have regular checks."
Runners were treated to a hero's welcome as they entered the
TeamPB post race reception at The Royal Society, where they were
congratulated by other famous faces including former footballer and
BBC commentator Mark Bright, TV DIY star Tommy Walsh, and celebrity
chef Ken Hom.
There is still time to make a donation to TeamPB and help The
Prostate Cancer Charity and Breast Cancer Care reach their
£1million fundraising target. Please visit www.teampb.org.uk
If you fancy running the Virgin London Marathon next year,
don't forget to register for the ballot on Monday 30 April.