"A Colleague Who Has MS Inspired Me to Run the London Marathon" - WTW’s Caroline Barber Shares Her Experience

WTW's Caroline Barber shares her experience of running the London Marathon 2022, in support of MS UK

Last month I ran the London Marathon. Not something I ever thought I’d say, and to be honest, it still all feels a bit surreal! I’ve been a keen runner for several years now but never thought I had the ability, or indeed the self-confidence, to run 26.2 miles. I’d previously run a few half marathons, purely for my own enjoyment (yes, I do enjoy it!) but even the thought of running twice as far felt like an impossibility. As a result of the pandemic, I found myself taking opportunities I never would have done previously and embarking on new challenges both personally and professionally. 

After watching the London Marathon from the comfort of my own sofa in 2021, I was massively inspired and decided to take the plunge and enter the ballot. Predictably, I wasn’t successful, so I decided to find a charity that I wanted to support by running on their behalf. Following a chance conversation with a colleague about running (I am that person!), he mentioned that he was running for MS-UK and that I should contact them as they still had charity places. By the end of that day, I had a place, and there was no going back! 

So, why MS-UK? The colleague who encouraged me to enter has Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and has been a huge inspiration to me. MS-UK is a national charity formed in 1993 and was established to support people affected by multiple sclerosis – that’s around 130,000 people in the UK or one in every 500, with about 130 people diagnosed every week on average. The overall number of people living with multiple sclerosis worldwide is estimated to be 2.3 million. MS-UK offers help and support to anyone affected by multiple sclerosis, to empower them to live healthier and happier lives by improving their understanding of MS and providing support where it is needed most.

As I wasn’t starting to run from scratch, I started a 16-week training plan to ensure I would reach the start line in the best possible shape. 500ish miles, two pairs of running shoes, numerous trips to the physio (luckily, these were preventative), countless plasters and a lot of blood, sweat and tears later, I was ready to go! Having trained through the hottest summer, the UK has seen for many years, very early mornings also figured heavily in my training.

The day itself was hugely emotional, and the support I received from not just friends and family, but complete strangers was completely overwhelming. I promised myself that I would enjoy every moment and keep smiling no matter what, and that’s exactly what I did. The atmosphere along the whole 26.2 miles was incredible and something that will stay with me for the rest of my life. I can’t begin to describe how I felt as I crossed the finish line, although tears of joy, relief and immense pride followed. Not only had I achieved something extraordinary, but I had raised over £2,000 for an incredibly worthy charity and hopefully helped to raise greater awareness of MS. Would I do it again? Never say never, however it’s time to give my body a bit of a break whilst I consider my next challenge!