The University of Worcester’s Sports Therapy students have been helping out at the London Marathon.
They were there to support runners from Sarcoma UK, a national charity that funds vital research, offers support for anyone affected by sarcoma cancer and campaigns for better treatments.
Accompanied and overseen by staff, they practised their massage techniques on the weary participants who had crossed the finish line.
They also found time to take in a few classic London landmarks on the day.
Sports Therapy student, Joshua Chubb, said: “Meeting and talking to some of the runners from the Sarcoma charity whilst treating them post event was a great experience. The runners all spoke about how around the 20 mile mark they wanted to give up but everyone of them carried on. They raised so much for the amazing charity and to be involved was a blessing. I’m very grateful to the University for allowing me the opportunity to go down and use the skills learnt in lectures/seminars for a great cause.”
Zac Read, Lecturer in Sports Therapy, said: “Our course has a great relationship with Sarcoma UK and we have been supporting them at the London Marathon for many years now. Each year we take students to help provide soft tissue massages to the heroes that have run the marathon for Sarcoma UK and each year we are blown away by their stories. As a small extra, we usually get into London at 9am to sneak in some sightseeing before cheering on the runners as they make their way round.
“This year, as of the morning of the 3rd October, I’ve been told that the runners have raised £290,000 which will obviously make such an impact on the Sarcoma community. It’s such a great experience for our students too, enabling them to practice their massage skills as well as being a part of such a massive event. We are lucky enough at the University of Worcester to provide support for a range of events, from first aid to post-event care and working with Sarcoma UK at the London Marathon never fails to get plenty of volunteers!”
To book into a clinic with the Sports Therapy students for your own massage or injury assessment, visit the webpage.
University of Worcester Staff News 