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Supporters of Medway charity Abigail's Footsteps raise thousands in London Landmarks Half Marathon

Thirty runners took part in the London Landmarks Half Marathon to raise money for the Medway-based Abigail's Footsteps.

And, so far, they have raised £32,399 for the charity which supports parents going through the trauma of stillbirth and neo-natal bereavement.

Runners on the finishing line
Runners on the finishing line

The team joined competitors from all over the country on a route which took them past the capital's most iconic landmarks, including the Tower of London, St Paul's Cathedral and the Shard.

The event, which was postponed because of the pandemic, started at Trafalgar Square and finished outside Downing Street near the Cenotaph.

Spectators cheered them along the way with themed areas paying tribute to NHS and key workers.

The Abigail's team included ITV newsreader Julie Etchingham, KentOnline head of multimedia news Nicola Everett and a first outing for Abigail the Bear, the new charity mascot.

Faye Hill, head of Abigail operations and events, said: "Thank you to our amazing team of 30 runners.

ITV newsreader Julie Etchingham
ITV newsreader Julie Etchingham

"They all did so well and should be very proud, a well-earned medal.

"A special mention for our vice president Julie Etchingham and Anthony Chapman who ran as our charity mascot, Abigail the Bear, sponsored by MEMS Power Generation in Gillingham.

"Lastly, thank you to Kez for running on her birthday and to the four members of Team Hope, who ran in memory of Blake Freddie Hope.”

Becky Hopkins, fundraising and events manager, said:“London Landmarks Half Marathon is such a wonderful event with a fabulous atmosphere.

"We’ve waited a long time to complete this race as it’s been postponed several times, so it was great to finally get to give Abigail her debut run. She was well received and I had lots of fun along the route.”

Abigail the Bear and Becky Hopkins
Abigail the Bear and Becky Hopkins
Spectators cheer runners on
Spectators cheer runners on

The charity was started by Jo and David Ward more than 10 years ago following the death of their stillborn daughter Abigail.

Abigail's Footsteps is a baby loss charity providing support and counselling for bereaved parents and families as well as specialist bereavement training for midwives and healthcare professionals.

It is the Medway Messenger's charity of the year.

Read more: All the latest news from Medway

The KM Group is committed to helping the community through the KM Charity team. For more information and to find out what other good causes you can get involved in click here.

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