09 Jun 2025
Fresh from completing the world-famous London Marathon in April, Hamelin supporter Gaynor Walton recently paid a visit to our Billericay centre to reflect on the highs, the challenges, and what drove her to the finish line.
During a special Q&A session with people supported by Hamelin, Gaynor shared personal highlights from the day, talked through her training journey, and answered questions about what it’s like to run 26.2 miles through the streets of the capital.
The session was recorded and will feature as part of Radio Hamelin, an exciting new project created by people supported by the charity. The upcoming series will showcase interviews, music, and stories, giving a platform to their voices and experiences.
Gaynor said it was great to visit and speak to everyone.
She said: “Their questions were brilliant! They asked how I felt at the start, what I ate the night before, and even whether I’d do it all again. It meant so much to share the experience with people who the charity supports.”
Gaynor took on the challenge after a ten-year break from marathon running, raising an incredible £3,371 for Hamelin. Battling 22°C heat on the day, she soaked in every step of the course, from the buzz of Greenwich Park to the roar of the crowds along Tower Bridge, all the way to a triumphant finish on The Mall.
Reflecting on the tough miles and emotional moments, Gaynor said that thoughts of the people supported by Hamelin kept her moving: “When I hit mile 18 and started to struggle, I thought about why I was running - the people Hamelin helps, the challenges they face, and the difference even one donation can make. That really spurred me on.”
The visit gave everyone at Hamelin a chance to celebrate her achievement and say a heartfelt thank you. Gaynor. You’re a true Hamelin hero.