Having completed his first London Marathon, Biggleswade FC defender, Luke Oswick, has vowed that it won’t be his last.
The 24 year-old was joined by his partner, Angel Franken, to run on behalf of Asthma + Lung UK.
“This is a charity that holds a special place in the hearts of my partner and I after sadly losing a beloved family member to lung disease,” he told us. “That was our inspiration for running the London Marathon.
“It was my first marathon and having completed it, it definitely won’t be my last!
“The preparations to begin with were challenging, trying to balance intense running specific training alongside the football season, especially when playing twice a week.
“Having said that, playing football alongside really helped build my endurance for the big day.
“The day itself couldn’t have gone any better, to be honest. The atmosphere was incredible and the crowd really do get you through to the end.
“It was such an inspirational day speaking with other runners and listening to their stories as to why they are taking part.
“Our initial target was just to finish and the main goal of raising as much awareness and money as we can for our charity and enjoying the moment, but the further we got into our training, we realised a sub five-hour target was realistic and we just about achieved that, hitting 4 hours, 55 minutes.
“The fund-raising went really well; we actually exceeded our target and raised just over £4,000. I am overwhelmed with the love and support and can’t thank everyone enough.”
Oswick returned to Biggleswade FC midway through the season following a spell at fellow Pitching In Southern League Division One Central outfit, Stotfold.
With two games to play, a top half finish has been achieved as well as success in the Bedfordshire Senior Cup to leave hopes high for what next season holds in store.
“From a personal point of view the season has been somewhat stop-start,” he admitted. “I returned to the club in January and I was buzzing that we were able to secure some silverware as well as finish in the top half of the table.
“We are already looking forward to building on this next season. If we can keep the core of the squad together alongside a few new additions, there is no reason why we can’t seriously challenge for a place in the play-offs next time around.
“I think the standard of the league this year has been very competitive. At one point it was so close with only a few points separating the top ten teams, and teams further down the table causing upsets to teams at the top.
“It really makes it exciting as every game is a real battle. It just shows that you can’t underestimate anyone in this division.”
Biggleswade end their season at home to Hertford Town on Wednesday before travelling to Aylesbury United on Saturday.
*At Asthma + Lung UK, their vision is for a world where everyone has healthy lungs. From research and campaigning to advice and support, as the UK’s lung charity they’re on a mission to change the way that lung health is perceived. Because breath is life - and that’s worth fighting for.
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