Cambridgeshire Commandant Runs Marathon for ACCT UK
Every year the Army Cadet Charitable Trust provides invaluable help to Cadets and adults in the ACF, awarding grants to enable cadets to take part in adventurous training, music and sports, and also investing in training for adult volunteers. Throughout her 32 years long Army Cadet career, Cambridgeshire Commandant Colonel Lesley Deacon has seen first hand the difference ACCT UK makes. For this reason, she was keen to enter ACCT UK’s ballot to take part in the London Marathon and bring in much needed funds.
(Above) ACF supporters who travelled to London.
After initially being turned down, Colonel Deacon received a call from Clara Gill, Fundraising Manager at ACCT UK, just nine weeks and four days before the Marathon, explaining that one of the coveted places in the marathon had become available as someone had had to drop out due to injury. Clara said: “I dreaded making the call to ask Lesley to step in, as there were less than 10 weeks until the event, as well as a huge fundraising target, and I knew Lesley had never attempted anything like this before. It was a huge ask, but there was only the slightest of hesitations before Lesley agreed. For Colonel Deacon, it was a daunting challenge, “but I knew I might not get another opportunity- it was once in a lifetime’.
(Above) Colonel Deacon running in the Marathon.
The short time frame meant Colonel Deacon would need to start training, and fundraising, straight away. The target given to her was to raise £2500, though Clara realised she might not be able to raise all the money in time. In the event, Colonel Deacon not only achieved the fundraising target, but exceeded it, raising an impressive £3200.
(Above) Greeting a supporter during the Marathon.
Clara said: “Lesley was a juggernaut of brilliance! She trained, she engaged at every level, she fundraised like a whirling dervish, she was unstoppable!” Fund raising included appeals on social media, an Easter Egg raffle and sponsorship in her village, and a very successful Bingo night at Burwell organised by Lesley Legate.
(Above) Colonel Deacon with endurance runner and ACF Ambassador Sally Orange.
She was accompanied to London by a team of supporters that included her partner Stewart, her brother and sister, her Godsons Stephen and Andrew, and ACF colleagues Nathan Drummond, Colin Wells, Phil Swadling, Claire Frost and partner Loz. Their support made a huge difference during the run, as “It was amazing to see them as I went round, it made such a difference. The Marathon has a brilliant atmosphere, people scream it as you go past, there is a great sense of support from everyone”.
(Above) Crossing the finish line.
On the day she also met endurance runner, mental health campaigner and ACF Ambassador Sally Orange MBE, who was running for Breast Cancer Now. Although Colonel Deacon had met Sally several time before, she was delighted to be recognised and hugged by her. “Sally is one amazing woman” she said.
(Above) Her supporters and Sally Orange (right)
“On crossing the finish line, I couldn’t believe I had done it. I felt a sense of amazement, satisfaction, and pride. I loved it. I want to say a big thank you to everyone who supported me and donated.”
Clara Gill said: “I cannot express how impressed, grateful and humbled everyone at ACCT UK is by Lesley’s hard work, positivity and general fabulousness! I have loved every second of working with her. I’m so proud of all our London Marathon runners and I know they also want to recognise that Lesley went above and beyond all expectations. Thank you!”
Text by 2Lt Doug Stuart