A FORMER soldier has raised more than £2,200 so far after battling back from a double leg break to complete his first London Marathon.
Months of hard work proved worthwhile for Leon Roberts, 40, when he crossed the finish line on the famous course in just under four hours 30 minutes.
Leon, of Whittington, is supporting The Polycystic Kidney Disease Charity with the condition affecting him and family members.
Leon Roberts with his medal after completing the London Marathon (Image: Leon Roberts)
He said: “Training was anything but straightforward. I was running with a fractured leg following a tibia and fibula break.
“There were runs where the pain was unbearable, frustration took over and I genuinely questioned whether I would ever make it to the start line.
“Even three weeks before marathon day things were looking uncertain.
“I took 12 days off completely, hoping some rest would ease the pain and give my leg a chance to recover. It never did.
More: Runner who once struggled to walk completes ‘unreal’ marathon in dad’s memory
More: Caring six-year-old raises £5,000 for charity that saved sister’s life
More: Support choristers of the future at Worcester Cathedral
“The pain remained exactly the same and I had to make a decision — either accept the discomfort or give up on something I had worked so hard for. I chose to keep going.
“A couple of hospital visits later confirmed my leg was still broken and the plan now is to remove the metalwork in the hope of easing the pain.
“I’ve got a CT scan booked and it’s likely surgery will be the next step.
“Before all of this I served 10 years with the Royal Engineers, specialising in explosive ordnance disposal.
“That career taught me resilience, discipline and how to keep moving forward when things get tough.
“Those lessons have stayed with me ever since and I drew on every one of them throughout this challenge.
“A few years ago I was diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), a condition that has affected several members of my family.
“It’s something that has always been close to home but receiving my own diagnosis was incredibly difficult.
“It had a profound impact on my mental health and at one point nearly cost me my life.
“It was one of the darkest periods I have ever faced.
“That is one of the reasons running for PKD Charity meant so much to me.
“Their work is changing lives, funding vital research and offering hope to families like mine.
“They are currently supporting a number of promising clinical trials aimed at slowing the progression of cyst growth and I am exploring whether I may be eligible to take part in one of them.
“I couldn’t have done any of this without the incredible support of my wife Laura, my son Theo, my sister Tara and her boyfriend.
“Having them there meant everything.
“I started the race strongly but before long the pain returned.
“Add in the heat, far hotter than anything I’d trained for, and it became a real battle.
“By 25km I was ready to stop. I felt empty and the pain had taken almost everything I had left.
“This was both mentally and physically the hardest thing I’ve ever done — harder than six months serving in Afghanistan, than skydiving and even tougher than completing an ultra challenge.
“I thought patrolling on operations in 45-degree heat was tough but those hours out on the streets of London were every bit as demanding.
“Under the circumstances it pushed me further than I ever thought possible.
“What kept me going, apart from the incredible cause, was the unbelievable support from the crowds.
“Hearing complete strangers shout your name over and over again gives you a lift when you need it most.
“People were handing out sweets, drinks and encouragement at every opportunity.
“Young children stood with their hands out, waiting for high fives, and honestly it was impossible not to smile.
“It was without doubt the best crowd support I have ever witnessed.
“From start to finish London turned out in force and the atmosphere was unlike anything I have ever experienced.
“As I got closer to the finish line my legs were completely gone.
“Every step felt like a battle but the thought of finally crossing that line kept me moving.
“Running past Buckingham Palace, hearing the crowds roar and knowing my family and supporters were there pushing me on, gave me one final lift when I needed it most.
“Crossing the finish line in just under four hours 30 minutes was a moment I’ll never forget.
“I would like to thank everyone who has supported me throughout this journey.”
People can still support the charity at www.justgiving.com/page/leon-roberts-3.
