A MAN from Basingstoke who participated in the London Marathon helped a woman who collapsed during the race.
Matt Payne, 44, has been competing in nearly every race, marathon, and park run you can think of in order to raise money for Autism Hampshire and has just completed his toughest challenge yet - the London Marathon. Readers can donate to his fundraiser here: https://justgiving.com/page/mattpaynelondon25
The father of two has overcome a leg injury to cross the line in 3 hours and 50 minutes, but explained that "it was more of a challenge" than he realised it would be.
"It was pretty hot," he said. "I think everyone struggled with the heat. I think everyone had a different experience with the marathon, mine was very different.
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"I went off well from the start, with a few of the other Hatch Warren Runners but it was tough keeping up the stamina, especially with my leg injury.
"A little while into it, around 16 miles in, a lady collapsed right in front of me, so I supported her.
"I covered her in a spare top I had with me until the paramedics came. I'm really hoping she's okay. I've been trying to find out but haven't had any luck. The paramedics said she would be, but I haven't seen anything anywhere that says she is or otherwise."
Matt explained how, after this, and due to his injury, the event "became less about time and more about enjoying the experience itself."
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He said: "Obviously, I would have liked to do it quicker, but just being there and raising money for charity was amazing.
"Having my name on my top, and having people shout it every step of the way was so surreal. My partner and the Hatch Warren Runners were set up along sections of the route, watching and cheering as I went by.
"Everyone was running for different reasons, everyone had their own motivations whether personal or for charity. Rebecca Reid from Hatch Warren Runners overcame personal difficulties and got a world record, she did really well."
Matt explained that the whole experience was very surreal, and as he got closer to the finish line, he was able to reflect on his journey.
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"It was quite emotional towards the end, I don't really know how to describe it.
"I ran with another guy for about 18 or 19 miles, it was his first marathon and we egged each other on.
"It was not my greatest in terms of running, but what an experience."
After getting back home, Matt said he was too exhausted to celebrate properly on the day, instead, he watched re-runs and "took it all in."
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He now plans to get together with fellow Hatch Warren Runners and "get a big pizza and a few beers to celebrate properly. For now, I'm just taking it easy."
With this race, Matt has exceeded his initial two donation targets and is pushing to raise £3,000.
He will continue to run throughout the year, with his next challenge being the Newbury 10k at the end of May.
He said: "Newbury is a new one for me, and it's a lot smaller than London, so that will be nicer.
"I'm then doing Endure24 in June with a partner from Hatch Warren Runners, and we are targeting 50 miles each. I want to see if our legs can still do it by then."
