Ollerton man who ran virtual London Marathon to give away his medal for second year in a row

Runners in Sunday’s virtual London Marathon included an Ollerton man who will be giving away his medal ­— for the second year in a row.

Paul Kitson, 59, ran the race in London last year to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, and gave his medal to Tom Mitchell, 5, who has the illness.

Tom is the grandson of Paul’s friend David Jackson, of Wellow.

At the time Paul said he wanted to run it again this year so he could earn a medal for Tom’s older brother, Freddie, 9, who does not have cystic fibrosis.

Self-employed gardener Paul has done several charity fundraising activities, including a lawnmower push and a trek along the Grantham Canal. He hopes Sunday’s run will raise more than £5,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

“I have had a lot of support from my customers,” he said. “They have been brilliant.”

Last year’s marathon was Paul’s first, and he got round with a mixture of running and walking, boosted by the support of spectators.

After crossing the finish line in 6 hours, 44 minutes and 2 seconds, Paul handed his medal to Tom at a reception for those running in support of the trust.

Because of coronavirus restrictions, this year, for the first time, people were invited to run the London Marathon their way, joining up to 45,000 runners up and down the UK and across the world.

Participants had from midnight to 23:59:59 on Sunday to complete the 26.2 miles, which they could choose to run, walk or jog ­— making the event the most inclusive London Marathon ever.

Paul followed a circuit around the Ollerton, Wellow and Rufford area four times, finishing on Wellow village green.

He was welcomed by David and his family, including wife Kate, and Tom and Freddie and their parents, Rosie and Doug Mitchell.

Paul has been given a place to run the London Marathon for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust next year.