Team UHCW head to London Marathon to help treat runners

A team of volunteer Physiotherapists from University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust is heading to the capital this weekend as part of the London Marathon’s official medical team.

The group of 25 sports injury experts will spend the day helping runners with strains and exhaustion. They will also be providing medical advice.

Senior Physiotherapist Sue Crewe-Smith MBE, who has been recruiting volunteers for almost two decades, said: “The physios who volunteer experience first-hand the type of medical problems that can occur.

"It’s a brilliant experience for our physiotherapists to use their skills at a big event like the London Marathon.

“I notice the improvement in their professional and personal development following this event every year.

"We are incredibly grateful to all of our volunteers, who provide an amazing service and help to put Coventry on the map."

The UHCW volunteers make up part of a larger medical team for the marathon, which includes doctors and nurses from nearby London trusts and St John Ambulance.

The team will be based at the last mile of the 26.2 mile slog, treating muscle cramps, joint pains, sprained ankles from discarded bottles on the course, blisters and overheating problems.

The volunteers will also be looking out for one specific runner among the 37,000 taking part, as number 19,033 will be their own Tim Rhode-Jones.

Tim said: "I am very excited, this is the big one for me. I am aiming for a time of three hours, 20 minutes and am raring to get going."

Sue offered her top three tips for runners on the big day:

1. Cut your toenails, this will help prevent any rubbing in your shoes causing any blisters.
2. Place plasters or medical tape over your nipples to stop your shirt rubbing.
3. Hydrate well in the days leading up to the marathon but only drink to thirst on the day itself, this will help stop having to take any unplanned pit-stops.