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Often, we dream big dreams and have great aspirations. Unfortunately, too often our dreams remain just that – dreams. For our Run! Activator Nicole Evans when you set your mind to do something and execute, impossible means nothing.
On the 22nd April Nicole began a journey of a lifetime and walked the 26.2 miles of the London Marathon in 21hrs 15 mins.  Confined to wheelchair with Cerebral Palsey and Proximal Myopathy, Nicole accomplished her dream of walking the marathon over 4 days raising over £3,000 for Interactive through sheer hard work and dedication. Nicole made the Impossible, Possible! breaking past what all the doctors deemed impossible. Nicole said;
‘When dreams meet reality Impossible is nothing! I’ve proved so many people wrong but more importantly I’ve found me in the process. Always remember your mind is your only limitation!’
Around 46 of Nicole’s friends, family and work colleagues joined her along the Marathon route in the rain and heavy wind. Nicole did not let the weather get in her way and was motoring through at a very impressive pace, she battled through the downpours and pain barriers with a big smile on her face. Her dad was chief navigator and her mum on hand when Nicole needed a rest, the love and support that Nicole’s family demonstrated throughout her journey was astonishing.  The sun came out at the finish line where her family presented her with signed Arsenal T Shirt, a certificate and a signed letter of Congratulations from the Mayor of London Boris Johnson. The true human spirit also shone through with Nicole’s friend Matt Hill donating his own London Marathon medal to Nicole Matt said;
 ’After a sheer quality last 4 days where I have seen people at their most beautiful. This country is full of amazing people, like Nicole. You just have to open your eyes & ears to find them. Congratulations again Nik you are a pure inspiration and I'm so happy to be part of your marathon today.’
England Athletics London Development Manager Bob Smith and Run! Project Manager Rhian Horlock also joined Nicole on her journey, providing her with Jelly Baby supplies and encouragement along the way. Rhian said;
‘We are so proud of Nicole, seeing Nicole cross the finishing line with sheer power strength and determination. Nicole is a huge inspiration to so many people around her. She is determined and knows what she wants, Nicole has inspired us all to aim high and we will be backing Nicole All the way to her next challenge!’

Her planned Marathon route was:
Day one Sunday first walk
Greenwich park to cutty sark 
 
Second day Monday second walk
cutty sark start at 10am out side DLR cutty sark station walking 7 miles
we will be walking up creek rd into Evelyn street in redriff rd into quays rd into Canada st into quebec way
into redriff rd into salter rd into brunel rd into Jamaica rd into tooley st across tower bridge into east smithfields
then down the highway to DLR limehouse 
 
Third day Tuesday third walk
DLR limehouse station at 10am walking 7 miles on the isle of dogs
we will walk up narrow st into westferry rd into manchester rd into marsh walk into heron qury into sth colonnade canada around
into nth colonnade canada into trafalgar way into prestons rd into poplar high st into commercial rd back to limehouse DLRstation 
 
Fourth day Wednesday fourth walk
DLR limehouse station 10am walking 5.2 miles
start at limehouse station down commercial rd into butcher rw into the highway into east smithfield into tower hill into byward st
into lower Thames along the embankment  up to Westminster bridge into gt George st into birdcage walk into spur rd into the mall
finished

Nicole faced so many things on her marathon journey and she will always remember the top 10 following highlights- In Nicole’s own words;
1. The day I decided to train for the supposedly impossible.
2. The early morning & back to back training sessions.
3. The first time my trainer Andrew made me walk 8 miles.
4. Walking in snow for the first time.
5. The pain tears and times of self doubt.
6. The atmosphere on day 1 and the support not only from the 46 that walked with me on route but from the general public too handing me £20 notes.
7. The rain.
8. Two specific locations – Artillery Place hill & Salter Rd.
9. The last 800m where the sun came out and people lined the Mall to clap including two Police men.
10. Matt giving me his medal.

England Athletics Executive Chair John Graves also wrote a note of congratulations to Nicole;

 ‘Congratulations on your mammoth effort and achievement in completing the Virgin London Marathon. You are an inspiration to all your colleagues across England Athletics and most importantly to those who might be considering similar challenges themselves in the future. The example you have set could be the inspiration others need to take that first pace forward. As a role model to others we hope that you are as proud of your achievement as we are and we know that the beneficiaries of the money you have raised will thank you for this marathon achievement’

To sponsor Nicole for her incredible Marathon Walk go to http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/walk_beyond

To view more images of Nicole's great experience please go to: http://photobucket.com/2012WalkBeyond  
 

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