Mane Abanda, a nurse from Hillingdon, has raised over £2200 for the aid agency CAFOD by running the London Marathon. 

Mane is no stranger to marathons – this was her sixth – but it was her first one in London. 

Mane said: “Running for CAFOD combines two things central to my existence – my Catholic faith and running – and is also a fantastic way of giving back to others. 

“I found this marathon remarkably tough as it was very busy, but the atmosphere was good and it was great running through London and going across London Bridge. 

“My daughter was there to cheer me on at 14 miles and gave me the encouragement I needed to carry on.”

When her daughter had an operation, Mane started running and found it to be the most effective form of therapy. 

Since then she has run marathons across the country, including Edinburgh and Brighton, but decided to run in London after hearing an Archbishop talk about his experience of watching the marathon in the capital. 

The money raised by Mane will help those living in extreme poverty to reach their full potential, regardless of religion or culture, by equipping them with skills and opportunities to live with dignity, support their families and give something back to their communities.

Community Participation Co-ordinator in Hillingdon, Tony Sheen, said: “On behalf of CAFOD I’d like to thank Mane for her amazing efforts to raise money for those in need, and to all of those who have supported her by donating. 

“Completing your sixth marathon is a fantastic achievement and we’re very grateful you did so by fundraising for CAFOD.”