Retired nurse raises over £3,500 for charity at London Marathon

Josette ' Jo' Billet, who before her retirement in 2021 had worked as a staff nurse at the Brampton War Memorial Hospital and as a Brampton district nurse, completed the marathon in the capital on Sunday, April 21. 

A keen runner, Jo regularly takes part in Carlisle Park Run and is part of the local running group DH Runners. 

Despite her experience, Jo did admit that being part of and completing her first London Marathon was a 'surreal' moment. 

Jo getting some mid-marathon motivation from her grandson (Image: Supplied)She said: "My family, my running pals, and close friends have supported me amazingly and that is what has made it all possible.

"I think I had prepared well on the Carlisle bypass but it was extraordinary and an amazing atmosphere to be a part of and the crowds were incredible. 

"I think I certainly hit a wall around mile 16 but then I saw my family again at around mile 19 and 20 and I knew that I could do it.

"The support from fellow runners was also amazing, the love and support from other humans was surreal, it sounds a bit corny but all those things push you on."

As a retired community nurse, Jo was motivated to raise money for the staff at Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland whom she had worked alongside.

Jo and her family at the end of the marathon (Image: Supplied)After completing the marathon in the capital she thanked everyone who has supported her fundraiser which has to date raised £3,711.

She said: "There is no doubt in the back of my mind I was thinking about everyone who had donated so generously

"I feel extremely emotional about it all and very humbled and the generosity is just overwhelming really. It's incredible."

You can donate to Jo's ongoing fundraiser HERE