Atherstone super slimmer raises more than £3,000 running virtual London Marathon

An Atherstone super slimmer has raised more than £3,000 for a local hospice after completing this year's virtual London Marathon yesterday (Sun).

Averil Caton donned running shoes for the first time two years ago after losing six-and-half stone, with four-and-a-half of those shed after joining Slimming World.

Despite having only clocked up a total of 21 miles in her previous longest run, the 56-year-old maths tutor took on her first marathon in aid of Mary Ann Evans Hospice.

Averil left The Plough, in Huddlesford, at 7.01am arriving in Atherstone town centre five hours and 15 minutes later.

She was joined along the route by a number of friends - including regular running partner Christine Morris who she met at Slimming World - and her children Chelsea and Aaron.

Aaron, in charge of technical support, had to plan a new route for his mum at the last minute after a section of the original route was flooded.

"I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported and encouraged me, it meant so much," said Averil.

"My goal was to run every step, and I did.

"Thanks to my wonderful supporters I have raised over £3,100 for Mary Ann Evans Hospice.

"It's an absolute privilege to have been given a place by the hospice - its work is so very, very valuable to so many.

"Roll back two years and I would have thought this was a bad joke…I couldn't/ wouldn't run and didn't really understand people who did.

"I had watched this inspiring event from the couch in awe of such individuals and the charities they championed.

"Now running is my happy pill.

"I started at Kingsbury Water Park Parkrun, then to a 5k with my two children on Christmas morning - Aaron wore his Christmas sweater yesterday as a reminder of that special day - then a 10k in Richmond.

"The next logical step was the marathon.

"I so wanted that medal, not for me, but to prove to my wonderful children the impossible is possible.

"This won't be my last marathon."

As part of her marathon challenge, Averil set a personal target to encourage 26 other people to start running.

"I'm not at that number yet, but it is well into double figures.

"It is such a great feeling - the fat kid at school who hated running and felt sick on PE day has actually inspired others."

Anyone who would like to donate to Averil's marathon JustGiving page in aid of Mary Ann Evans Hospice can do so here.