Thursday, 29 September 2022: Sharon, a course manager at the University of Oxford, will be running the 26.2 mile course for the charity – which she credits for inspiring her career.
Sharon, from Abingdon, spent her younger years volunteering with St John Ambulance as a Cadet, where she went on to learn lifesaving skills with other young people from all walks of life.
After volunteering with St John, she started her career as a specialist advisory teacher, where Sharon supported students and advised professionals on how to teach deaf and blind students.
She said: "St John Ambulance built my confidence and empowered me to help people. It helped to shape my personality. I forgot to feel shy when I was focusing on the needs of others."
The charity runs six youth programmes, which help to make a positive impact in communities across England and offer young people opportunities that can set them up for life and influence their career paths.
She said: “I’m so very grateful to St John – it’s an honour being able to raise funds and give something back to the charity."
As well as knowing she is helping the charity through her fundraising, her fox red Labrador Rusty has also been a source of motivation throughout the gruelling months of training.
He has been Sharon’s companion on most runs, she said: “He is such a sweetie, running alongside me and occasionally plunging into the river!
“I definitely feel a lot safer with him by my side during remote runs.”
Though, she adds: “He does get quite bored on longer runs, so I do those without him.”
Sharon is aiming to complete the 26.2 mile course in five hours.
She said: "Having lived in London and been a spectator many times, I can't wait to run on Sunday. My fundraising is doing well and I feel so heartened by everyone's donations and motivational messages."
St John relies on donations to fund its lifesaving work and equip and train the next generation of young lifesavers. Please visit its website to donate.
