Charity trustee smashed six marathons

A trustee at Rainbows has raised over £5,000 and clocked up 157.2 miles running six marathons.

Angela Browning, of Wollaton, first heard about the Abbot Six Star Major Marathons many years ago, but with young children and a busy work life, the challenge seemed unachievable.

But she didn’t give up on the idea, and Angela completed her first Major by finishing the London Marathon in 2019.

Last year she took on Boston and Berlin, where she ran a personal best of 3hrs 17 mins.
In March, Angela ran in Tokyo but suffered with a swollen knee throughout the 26.2 mile course.

“When a knee consultant started using words like worn cartilage, bone-on-bone and conservative management, I cried,” said Angela. “I already had my places secured for Chicago and New York, so I had to train by replacing running with strength training and an exercise bike.”

Her final event in New York took place on Sunday 2 November. “I did it and I am so proud,” she said. “To have completed all six Major Marathons is a wonderful feeling, and I felt so emotional ending that journey running into Central Park, the crowds were just incredible!

“As a child, I hated running. I did my first marathon when I was 20, in Nottingham, and that was it. I run to clear my head and spend quality time with friends. It energises me, it’s my passion and has been a big part of my life.”

Angela has been one of our Trustees for seven years. She said: “As part of my role as a trustee, I recently spent a day shadowing the Rainbows Care Team. Marathons are tough but however hard they are, or however much my knee hurts, it is nothing compared to what our babies, children, young people and their families go through.

“Rainbows isn’t a sad place, it is always surprising how cheerful it is. And the incredible team always go the extra mile for the families that benefit from our services.”

Clare Wainwright, Rainbows Community Fundraiser in Nottinghamshire, said: “What Angela has done is an incredible achievement and we can’t thank her enough for her effort and dedication.

“Rainbows provides vital support to babies, children and young people from Nottinghamshire at our hospice, in hospital or at home. We wouldn’t be able to do this without our amazing fundraisers.”

To support Angela, visit http://www.justgiving.com/page/ange-browning