An early start and a late finish; the day of the 'Virgin Money London Marathon (2014)'.
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| (SJA Uniform) |
Today was the 34th annual world recognised London Marathon and I volunteered for the second year running as a First Aider on behalf of St John Ambulance; a volunteer-led, charitable non-governmental organisation dedicated to the teaching and practice of first aid. I have been a volunteer at the charity for over 5 years and since regionalisation of the charity in 2013, a member for the Youth Regional Advisory group. I have achieved my Grand Prior award and am now leading cadet at our Torquay Unit. I have competed in many competitions, took part in many training courses and attended the new training pilot courses for a service delivery cadet back in 2013.
The day started off slow with us being placed at tent 7.5 (just up from the finish line), due to the nature of the 26 mile marathon we did not receive any casualties until gone 13:00 (bearing in mind we had been there since 8:30)- first came the elite runners then followed by the 'fun' runners.
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| All area medical pass |
I had my celebrity spotting eyes on top performance and saw Tom Daley, Jimmy Carr and Chris Chittell (who places Eric Pollard from Emmerdale), these celebrities were all spectators. We also saw Mo Farah who came 8th at his London Marathon debut. However due to us being 'back stage' I felt constrained not to ask for pictures, although I did fan girl for a few seconds (hours) over Tom. By this time we were also very busy and it was imperative to put your casualties first rather than gawping at the well known figures.
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| 'Eric Pollard- Emmerdale' |
At 13:00 we were flooded with people having all kinds of problems; cramp, sickness, dehydration, low blood sugar, cuts, blisters and the list is endless. I came across a few inspirational people which is the reason I love what I do, hearing their stories whilst treating them really does give you that wow factor.
One man was 79, from Mexico and had travelled especially to London to complete his 46th Marathon, another man was 21 stone last year and whilst watching the 2013 marathon it gave him determination to lose weight and compete in this years. Both of these men completed the marathon in just over 5 hours. Many did the marathon as a race and for fun whilst overs did it for charity also to tick it off their 'bucket list'.
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| backstage on the Mall |
The event had high media coverage and our first aid station was right next to the media tent, I did try and poke my head through the gap a few times but I failed. I also tried my best to walk past the cameras though none of them seemed live at the time, claim to fame = unsuccessful.
The day is always long and tiring but it is definitely worth it due to good you are doing and the satisfaction you get when helping to save lives.
Well done to all the runners, race officials and the St John Ambulance volunteers, another successful marathon completed. One day I would really love to run (probably walk) the marathon due to the atmosphere I witness whilst volunteering; also the free goody bag you get at the end and of course the well deserved medal. However after viewing the pain and condition of a minority of runners at the end it does give you that doubt. When the casualty first comes into your care the first most common thing they say (if they are conscious) is "why did I do this to myself?", but they always leave on a high note after coming into realisation of what they have just achieved.
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| SJA signage |
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After the marathon I had a strong coffee to give me energy (no I had just not ran the 26 miles but I was drained) and then took a short tube journey over to Covent Garden where I enjoyed a lavish chicken salad at Co^te. We also got served Wine but shhh dont tell the Mother.
