Horsham Ladies pair to take on London Marathon for charity

Horsham Ladies Gina Leadbeatter (left) and Kate Leyshon will run the London Marathon for worthy causes. Picture courtesy of Gina Leadbeatter

Flanker Gina Leadbeatter and fly half Kate Leyshon are set to take on the full 26.2 miles – and both are running for worthy causes.

Gina ran the London Marathon two years ago in aid of CLIC Sargent cancer support for children and young adults and raised more than £4,500 for the charity.

She was due to run in last year’s event but was ruled out as she underwent surgery.

This year Gina will again be running for CLIC Sargent and she hopes to raise a substantial amount of money for a charity that holds a deep meaning for her.

She said: “I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2008 at 25 years old.

“I received surgery and chemotherapy at Charing Cross hospital.

“I had to defer my London Marathon place in 2019 due to gall bladder surgery but this year I’m back and ready to take it on again!

“I took up running mainly to shed a few pounds but found it gave me so much more – freedom and a chance to raise money for important causes.

“Running also gave me fitness and confidence to join Horsham Ladies rugby team.

“It will be a great privilege to run it again and with my friend ‘Kicker Kate’, although she may have to wait for me as her legs are substantially longer than mine!

“We hope to raise a tonne of cash for very worthy causes.”

Kate has been inspired to take part in the prestigious event through her rewarding work.

The former PE teacher is the headteacher at the Virtual School for Looked After Children in Sutton.

Kate’s job is to ensure that everything is done to achieve the best education for children in care.

Her staff work really closely with young people, foster carers, social workers and teachers to ensure that any needs are met to help them to be successful in school and their futures.

Kate said: “I found out that as it was the 40th marathon year, there were 40 marathon spaces in London for primary teachers.

“I’d like to promote how young people can benefit from positive exercise.

“I am therefore running the marathon for looked-after and previously looked-after children and any money I raise I will put into a sports initiative for these young people to take part in.

“I was really happy to find out Gina was also doing the marathon as we are supporting each other through our rugby on the field and relentless marathon training.”

To donate please visit justgiving.com/fundraising/gina-leadbeatter4 and justgiving.com/crowdfunding/kate-leyshon