Physios prepare to help runners cross the finish of the London Marathon

A group of dedicated physiotherapists from University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust are gearing up to play an essential role within the medical team at this year’s London Marathon.

Fifteen current and former physios will be on hand on to treat runners tackling the gruelling 26.2-mile course through the capital.

Alongside them will be the daughter of the late Sue Crewe-Smith, a well-loved Senior Physiotherapist at the Trust who helped recruit volunteers for the event for two decades.

Leading Team UHCW this year is Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist Lucy MacDonald, who will be stationed as a Team Lead in the finish tent.

Lucy said: “I’m really looking forward to leading the team at the marathon this year. It’s a great opportunity for our physios to represent UHCW and showcase their skills.”

Lucy’s role will see her take on a range of responsibilities including explaining equipment, briefing the team on what they might see and how to respond and multidisciplinary working with doctors, podiatrists and the St John’s and London Ambulance teams.

“We’re so lucky to have so many people giving up their time to support the event each year,” she added.

“The fact that people want to come back once they’ve moved on from the Trust shows just how great and close knit the team is.”

Supporting at the event for the first time is Therapy Team Leader, Emma Brangwin, who will be supporting at Horse Guards Parade, treating runners with acute issues, such as cramp, as well as looking out for signs of more serious medical problems.

“When I knew I wouldn’t be working weekends, and with children getting older, I knew I wanted to be involved this year. Then, last Autumn when Sue was sadly diagnosed and subsequently passed away, I thought it was even more of a reason to experience it,” said Emma.

“I’m feeling a bit nervous but mostly excited and looking forward to being part of the atmosphere. Sue will be very much in our hearts and thoughts on the day, but know she’d want us all to have a great day - which we will.”

Good luck to Alex Smith, Tom Richmond and Myra Potter, all of whom are running the marathon for UHCW Charity.