Vale London Marathon runner does it for Barry's Terry Lewis

Samantha Metcalfe described how she was a bag of nerves on the morning of the London Marathon, but felt elation crossing the finish line and smashing her target time by almost an hour.

In her first London Marathon, Ms Metcalfe, 33, ran the world’s most famous race in five hours 33 minutes.

Ms Metcalfe’s amazing effort has raised almost £2,500 for Marie Curies’ Cardiff and Vale Hospice, based in Penarth.

She wanted to support the team after the expert care they gave Barry man Terry Lewis, her partner Rhys Lewis’ granddad, who she said the hospice took expert care in his time of need.

Samantha raised £2,500 for Marie Curie Cardiff and Vale

A long challenging day at the London Marathon, but success in the end

The furthest Ms Metcalfe had run before the marathon was only 10k, but despite this, she overcame her nerves to complete the epic challenge.

With a mixture of interval, tempo and distance training, along with huge support from her family, Ms Metcalfe said she was able to smash the marathon, beating her target time by almost an hour.

Ms Metcalfe, who is originally from Cardiff, but stays just outside of Barry and was working at the hospice for over three years, said lining up for the marathon felt unreal.   

“The day was long and challenging,” said Ms Metcalfe.

“I felt nervous and nauseous when I woke up and then standing, waiting to start, it all felt very surreal.”

Marie Curie head of fundraising Sara Bass, said of Ms Metcalfe’s effort: “Our Wales London Marathon runners have so far raised more than £20,000 and that total is still increasing, which is an astounding effort from them all.     

“Every donation that Marie Curie receives allows us to continue our vital work to support terminally ill people in the community providing care, advice and support.”

Samantha had only run 10k before taking on the marathon

She smashed her target time by almost one hour

Amazing support

Ms Metcalfe said the level of support at the marathon was amazing.

“The support from the crowd was incredible,” said Ms Metcalfe.

“It was amazing to hear so many strangers calling my name as it was on my shirt. The rain didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits. Spectators had sweets to hand out on the way round, there was music and drums, and pubs spilt out to cheer us all on. The charity cheer stations were deafening.”

Of course, what is so important to complete a marathon is friends and family cheering you on, which Ms Metcalfe had, as well as a few surprises.

“I had Rhys, my mum, and my nan there to support me, and they popped up all along the course to scream and shout encouragement, along with a few friends who surprised me too.”

If you want to donate to Ms Metcalfe’s cause raising money for Marie Curies’ Cardiff and Vale hospice, go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/samantha-metcalfe3