The University of Northampton shows its support for this year’s Virgin London Marathon

Since it was established 25 years ago, the University’s Podiatry Clinic has been supporting runners of the London Marathon, as it gives students the opportunity to put their skills into action at one of the most important events in the sporting calendar.

This year a team of final year BSc Podiatry students will be in attendance, with Senior Lecturer, Steve Avil, to provide support to runners after they cross the finish line, having completed what for most will be the most challenging run they have ever attempted. The team will be working hard in the medical tent to help manage a variety of foot and leg related injuries. The students work in a multidisciplinary group that also includes doctors, physios, nurses and members of St John Ambulance.

Steve Avil, Senior Lecturer in Podiatry at the University of Northampton, commented: “Supporting and helping the runners at the London Marathon has become a tradition for us at the Podiatry Clinic and it is amazing to think this is the 25th year we have attended!

“It has been and is a unique opportunity to treat acute patients and play a role in such a prestigious and memorable sporting event. It’s great that so many students have taken up the chance to experience this over the years.”

The students not only demonstrate their skills in the medical tent, but they’ve also been taking up the challenge and entering the race themselves. This year two second year Podiatry students, Ben Ward and Danielle Sullivan, will be running the race itself and are hoping to need as little attention as possible from their colleagues at the finish line!

Also taking part is Senior Law Lecturer, Nicola Smithers, who is running the 26 miles in aid of PSDA, the UK’s leading veterinary charity. She commented: “I am really grateful for the support given by the University of Northampton which has helped me get closer to my fundraising target for the PDSA. At the moment I am a mix of nerves and excitement for the big day but after six months of training I feel ready and raring to go!”

Professor Nick Petford, Vice Chancellor, University of Northampton, commented; “The London Marathon is a great opportunity for our Podiatry students to practice their skills in a real life situation, which enables them to enhance their CV and greatly improves their employability prospects. It’s been fantastic to have had a University presence every year since the Podiatry Clinic was established 25 years ago.

“The University is proud to support both staff and students taking part in this year’s race and I would like to wish all participants the best of luck in achieving such an incredible goal.”