Couple get ready for wedding by running London Marathon.

Joanne Mangan and Matthew Lampard got such a buzz running the Havering Half Marathon, they decided to double the distance and take on the iconic London Marathon. 

Joanne, 31 and Matthew, 30, completed the Havering Half Marathon in 2019 and raised more than £3,000 for Saint Francis Hospice alongside with their friend Ross Adams.

And on Sunday 3rd October, the couple will join 50,000 runners as they make their way along the 26.2-mile route through the capital’s famous streets.

“The Havering Half Marathon was our first half marathon and our longest run, and we wanted to set a new challenge after a lazy lockdown,” said Joanne. 

“We have no personal connection to Saint Francis Hospice but I’m from Hornchurch and Matthew is from Harold Wood, so it is our local hospice and we are aware of the wonderful work they do. 

“We had such a great experience running for the Hospice in 2019 and wanted to try and raise more funds this year.”

Joanne and Matthew have already raised over £1,000 and they have an extra special incentive to get fit and spur them on!

“We are also getting married in 2022 and are hoping that the marathon training will help us to fit into our wedding outfits,” said Joanne. 

“The wedding will hopefully be in Mexico next year and we are so excited to celebrate with some of our friends and family in the sun!

“Training has been tough but a good Spotify playlist and a massage gun has been key!”

They’re excited for their first London Marathon experience but they will be feeling a bit of pressure from the family to perform on race day. 

“We are really looking forward to the day and apparently we have to beat Joanne’s dad, Gerry’s time – he finished in 4 hours 6 minutes back in 1993,” Matthew joked. 

“It’s a memorable day for Joanne as she spent many marathon days sitting outside her Nan’s flat in Poplar cheering on the runners.

“The support from fundraiser Michelle Hughes-Gage and the team at the Havering Half was fantastic and the atmosphere on the day was really lovely, and we are looking forward to seeing and hearing Team Orange at Mile 23!”

Feeling inspired? Why not sign up for this year’s Havering Half Marathon on Sunday 12th September and help raise money for local people who are seriously ill and need the love and care of the Hospice.

To sign up and find out more, visit – sfh.org.uk/havering-half-marathon