Four doctors take on London Marathon

They join 48 others running the marathon for the pan-disability charity this year.

Dhrushil, Matthew, Hussain and Rishabh aim to put their friendship and enthusiasm for running towards something positive after an incredibly difficult year, setting themselves a target of raising £1800 each. 

Hussain said:

“If running with my best mates can go just a small way to raising awareness, amongst my wider family, my workplace and friendship circle, about how Leonard Cheshire strives for inclusivity and how we can all play a part, then that will do for me.”

Dhrushil described how the pandemic has meant that their workload has “gone up exponentially”. With so many other commitments, training for the marathon has been tough. Taking part as a collective has allowed the friends to motivate each other, sharing their runs on their WhatsApp group each morning.

Although the friends met through sport teams at university, they only caught the “running bug” over the past three years. Dhrushil described how he would recommend exercise to patients to treat stress but wasn’t very active himself. 

Now that has changed, and running is Dhrushil’s “saving grace”. He said, “I take a problem on a run with me and by the end of the run I have a solution”. 

Despite the pressures of the pandemic and running-related injuries, the London Marathon challenge has provided the group with a purpose and a way to help others.

For Hussain, the pandemic has highlighted how disabled people and their needs are so often left out of the mainstream narrative. However, he said: “I’m hopeful that we will come through this period stronger, and with a better perspective and will channel that energy into narrowing the inequality gap.” 

With the countdown on until race day, excitement– and pre-race nerves – are building. Hussain said, “Running with three of my best mates, and wearing the Leonard Cheshire vest will be a very proud moment in my life.”

Marcus Missen, Executive Director of Fundraising and Marketing at Leonard Cheshire, said:

“It’s incredibly exciting to have Leonard Cheshire runners attending the first full-participation London Marathon since 2019. This year’s event is extra special and we are so grateful and proud of all the runners in Team Leonard Cheshire.”

You can support Matthew, Dhrushil, Hussain and Rishabh in their marathon efforts by visiting their Just Giving pages:

•    Hussain: justgiving.com/fundraising/sainy

•    Rishabh: justgiving.com/fundraising/rishabhs

•    Matthew: justgiving.com/fundraising/matthew-greenfield

•    Dhrushil: justgiving.com/fundraising/dhrushilpatel

If you are inspired to take on a fundraising challenge, registrations are still open for the Virtual London Marathon – register for free, take part anywhere, with a fundraising target of just £100!

Alternatively, you can find more information on our full range of fundraising events.