Runner, 80, does half marathon for sepsis charity

An 80-year-old runner has completed a half marathon in support of sepsis research, inspired by the recovery of Jersey student Lily McGarry.

Janine Fossey crossed the finish line of the Royal Parks Half Marathon in London on 11 October which added another medal to a running journey that has already included seven marathons, and more half marathons and parkruns than she was able to count.

Fossey said the latest challenge came after she began thinking about what she could achieve in the year she turned 80.

"Last year, my running had gone down. I was getting slower and slower," she said. "I thought I would really love to do a marathon or a half marathon next year."

The race was completed in aid of Sepsis Research FEAT, a charity connected to Lily McGarry, who became a quadruple amputee after developing sepsis following meningitis B while studying medicine at university.

Fossey said she has known Lily and her family for years and was inspired not only by what she had been through, but how she has responded to it.

"I was blown away actually because of what an unselfish girl she is," she said.

Fossey started the run strongly enjoying the opening miles of the half marathon in near-perfect conditions.

She said: "The first four miles I thoroughly enjoyed and felt good. I was keeping a good pace.

"All of a sudden I had pains in my thighs and I thought, 'oh no'."

As the miles continued and discomfort spread through her legs, she drew motivation from the person she was fundraising for.

She said: "This time I was thinking of Lily, the pain she must have gone through, and that helped me through."

She discovered she had finished third in her age category which was an achievement she was reluctant to boast about.

"It makes me feel really good because I don't feel any older," she said. "I'm just so happy that I've done it."

Fossey said support from the community had been one of the most memorable parts of the challenge.

She said. "People are so kind and thoughtful in this day and age when there's so much anger and nasty things going on in the world."

She now has her sights set on future races and has not been put off by the difficulties during the half marathon.

When friends asked if she was finally ready to stop, she told them: "No, I'll just do better next time."

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