Thousands raised for Jesuit projects in London Marathon

Womble Mark Millrane from Bath, former Stonyhurst student

A total of 27 runners excelled themselves on Sunday by running the Virgin London Marathon, in support of Jesuit projects around the world. They included a head teacher from Zimbabwe, a married couple, parishioners from Jesuit parishes in London, pupils and former pupils of Jesuit schools, teachers from Glasgow and Lancashire, and a 67-year-old priest.

Last year, the Jesuit Missions Marathon team raised just under £50,000; and this year's target is to improve on that. Funds raised will support the work of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) and Jesuit Missions (JM) projects in Guyana, Kenya, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Watching the runners along the route was the Deputy Director of JM, Richard Greenwood, who was full of praise for their endurance and support for the Jesuits' work: "As always, our runners pushed themselves to their physical limits and should be extremely proud at what they achieved,' he said afterwards. 'While their certificates record the times that they achieved to cover the 26.2 miles, just as important have been the efforts they've been making before the race - and they'll be continuing after the race - to raise funds to support the work of Jesuit Missions and JRS. It's still coming in - so thank you to all our runners and their supporters … well done!"

First over the finishing line from the JM team was Olly de Montfort, the nephew of the late Tony de Montfort, who was the Director of Jesuit Missions for almost 40 years. He was followed by the oldest member of the team, Father Daniel O'Connor, a Columban priest, who ran the course in less than three-and-a-half hours. Also among the 27 runners were friends and relatives of the Wimbledon-based Jesuit Missions office - including four Wombles who live, of course, on Wimbledon Common!

"Every penny that the runners raise goes overseas," says Richard Greenwood. "And if you're eligible to Gift Aid, we could increase your donation by 25%. If you would like to make a donation to support our runners you can send a cheque payable to 'Jesuit Missions Marathon' to the JM office, 11 Edge Hill, London SW19 4LR or via our web site: www.jesuitmissions.org"

You can also donate online via www.virginmoneygiving.com (search for Jesuit Missions).