A TAVISTOCK care officer has run her own ‘London Marathon’ to mark a milestone birthday with some special guests cheering her on!

Danielle James, known as Dan, was due to compete in the London Marathon on April 26 but the race was postponed until October 4 due to Covid-19.

Dan, a care officer of 19 years for adults with learning disabilities at Tregarland in Tavistock, was disappointed the race had been cancelled, especially for her clients who had been excited that they would hopefully see her on television.

But the decision for Dan to run laps around the property came about during a fitness class organised by a resident at the home.

‘As a care home we have been coming up with lots of ideas to help them deal with the difficult coronavirus situation around them, like bingo nights, pub quizzes and fitness classes, all run by the clients.

‘But it was during “Fox Roxy’s fitness class” that it was thought I could do the marathon at work on my 40th birthday — and all the clients were so excited to be able to cheer me on.

‘One of the clients, Andrew, cut the grass and marked the route for me the night before and they all made banners for me. There were banners and balloons everywhere and wherever I ran on the route there was always a cheer.’

Dan completed the marathon in six hours and four minutes and raised almost £1,700 for MS Therapy Centres.

The race also had added importance for Dan as she lost her sister Chelle Osland just before Christmas to cancer and it was her sister who was so excited for Dan to compete at London.

Dan, who lives in Calstock, said it was hard to stay motivated with training but thanked her loving friends, family and everyone from Tavistock Athletic Club for helping her stay positive as it made the completion of the marathon possible.

Staff and residents (pictured above) congratulate Dan on completing the marathon.