Camp Simcha’s six marathon runners collectively raised over £15,000 with donations still coming in.

Matthew Jenkinson, Mike Kingsley, Ben Posen, Richard Samir were all running the marathon for the first time, while Jonny Phillips and Stephen Shapiro had both taken on the 26.2 mile challenge in the past – with Stephen on his third marathon and Jonny running to raise funds for Camp Simcha for an epic eighth time!

Stephen Shapiro, who finished in 3 hours 51 minutes, had chosen to run for Camp Simcha because his family were supported by the charity when his twins were born prematurely seven and a half years ago – needing several months in hospital.

“My son Tristan was born weighing 1.55 kilos and Casey 895g. We spent months in hospital and during this time we received support in many ways from Camp Simcha, including a ‘Big Sister’ volunteer for our older son and hospital transports, which for us was of great help,” explained Stephen. “I wanted to help raise funds so they can be here for every family with seriously ill children that needs them.

“It was an incredible atmosphere and I had family and colleagues cheering me on along the route – with one colleague greeting me with a much-needed Lucozade at mile 20.”

Veteran Jonny Phillips finished first of the group in 3 hours 25 minutes. He said: “London needed that …. we all needed that!  With no London Marathon 2020 for the regular runners due to Covid, it was such an amazing and powerful moment at the start line, together with runners from all over the world, you could just feel the excitement.

“I’m fortunate to have run a few international marathons, but London is definitely the best. To be running it for the eighth time for such an amazing charity adds purpose to the fun- and it was such a treat to see the Camp Simcha team on route shouting from the sides in the sunshine.”