Carers Trust London Marathon runner saves the day for fellow runner
A veteran Carers Trust fundraiser has been publicly thanked by a lady (Millie) who Stephen Cleary pulled to her feet when she was absolutely exhausted, supporting her to continue to the end of the race.
Stephen works with Rank Plc, one of the charity’s top corporate supporters. Last Monday he started a new position as a Project Coordinator at Rank Head Office.
Yesterday he ran the London Marathon for the second time for Carers Trust. When he saw Millie in trouble he had an immediate reaction to help a fellow runner in need.
He said: “As I jogged down Birdcage Walk, I spotted a lady in trouble. She was being helped by another runner but as he was on his own, he too was struggling. So I just had to dive in and help out someone that was in distress.
We both kept talking to her to keep her as lucid as possible and as we turned the corner onto the mall, I was shouting to the crowd to give us more encouragement.”
Millie reached out to thank Stephen through the Carers Trust because she remembered he was wearing a Carers Trust T-shirt.
She said: “I ran London Marathon today, and I'm trying to reach out to Steve Cleary as he helped me massively in the last 0.5 miles. He had to help carry me over the finish line!
It was such a kind and selfless thing to do, and I am truly grateful. I wouldn't have been able to complete it without him. I would love to reach out to him in person to thank him.”
As for the race itself, Stephen said he knew something was wrong as early as six kilometres but pushed on and was still managing a good time until kilometre 30.
“The humidity seemed to have an effect on my breathing and at kilometre 24 I walked for a little bit to help compose myself and then carried on until I got to the Carers Trust cheer squad. From then on I was doing some short bursts of walking to help ease my breathing. By the time I’d gotten to Tower Hill I knew that there was no way to get a personal best. But also knew that getting under four hours was still very achievable.
The three have all now become friends on Instagram and Millie has kindly donated to the charity.
Vicki Parker, Corporate Partnership Manager at Carers Trust said: “I have worked with Stephen both at Rank and now with my role at Carers Trust. Stephen has always been an incredible supporter of Carers Trust, always thinking of fundraising ideas and ways that he can raise awareness of the charity. It didn’t surprise me at all that he stopped to help Millie across the line, he is very caring and selfless person…well done Stephen!”
