Full-back raises £1,500 for charity

With the rugby season over, UCS Old Boys full-back Nathaniel Breakwell took on one more challenge to run the London Marathon in aid of Asthma UK.

Breakwell, 26, is asthmatic and took on the challenge to raise money for a charity working on a condition that affects several members of his immediate family as well as many people across the country.

He has raised an incredible £1,500 for Asthma UK and is continuing to raise funds towards a goal of £2,000.

Asthma UK are the leading asthma charity for the 1 in 11 people living with asthma in the UK and every 10 seconds someone has a potentially life-threatening asthma attack, with three people dying every day.

Tragically, two thirds of these deaths could be prevented, which is why Asthma UK continues to fund world-leading research to find better treatments and ultimately, a cure for asthma.

“Running the marathon was an amazing experience. The support from friends, family, volunteers and total strangers was inspiring and helped carry me over the line,” said Breakwell.

“Conditions were perfect for the first half of the race and running around Cutty Sark and over Tower Bridge are moments I’ll never forget.

“The heat definitely affected me in the second half but I still loved every moment and was incredibly proud crossing the finishing line.

“Raising money for Asthma UK has also been great, as someone with asthma I know how important the work they’re doing is. I’ve been touched by people’s generosity and I know the money is going towards a really great cause.

“Training was tough, especially doing the long runs on a Sunday after a tough league game, but it was all worth it in the end and I look forward to running the London Marathon again.”

Louise Thomas, head of events and community fundraising at Asthma UK, added: “We want to thank Nathaniel and all of our runners for their hard work and dedication in taking on this challenge.

“We are largely funded by public donations, so it’s thanks to all of our generous fundraisers that Asthma UK is able to continue its vital work.”

To sign up for the London Marathon 2018, please visit www.asthma.org.uk/londonmarathon.