THOUSANDS of people will be taking part in the London today with many of them coming from Cornwall.

Among those taking part will be Helston Tesco worker Gemma Priest who is raising money for the charity Sense.

Sense is a national charity that supports people who are deafblind and those with complex disabilities, to be understood, connected and valued. 

So far Gemma has raised an amazing £1,969.23, smashing her target of £1,500. With Gift Aid provided by Marathon sponsors Virgin Money, this takes her total to £2,053.98.

One of her more generous donations came from Helston Flambards who she gave a shout out to on Facebook. 

"Massive thank you to Flambards for your generous donation to my choosen London marathon 2021 charity Sense," she said.

"Running the London marathon is a fantastic experience that generates fantastic memories and much needed funds for lots of charities.

"It's been a difficult two years for so many reasons but all pulling together and helping each other is what drives us forward. I'm so excited to be finally heading for the start line in London."

She says it's been a 'totally awesome' year in which sh came back to running to prove to herself that no matter what others think of you or the journey in which they are travelling you have to do what's right for you as an individual.

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"I set myself three running challenges at the beginning of 2021. The south west traverse in May which was a 46 mile coastal run from Lizard Point to Land's End. A 64-mile coastal run from Porthpean to St Anthony's Head and back and now the London marathon. Running is a mind over matter challenge and if you set your mind to something you can achieve

"I've had amazing support from friends and family and I'm truly grateful thank you all so much I could not of raised such a fantastic amount for Sense without you."

The London Marathon will welcome back more than 40,000 runners for a colourful charity spectacular on Sunday after the mass event was scrapped last year due to coronavirus restrictions.

A further 40,000 participants will choose their own 26.2 mile route to earn the same finisher’s medal and T-shirt by completing a virtual run which was introduced in 2020.

It is the first time the two events will take place simultaneously and the first time that runners have tackled the marathon’s traditional route from Blackheath to Westminster in October rather than during spring.

The weather in London is expected to be dry for the London Marathon on Sunday after a wet and windy few days.

If anyone would like to read about Gemma's journey or would like to donate you still can at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/GemmaPriest/6