Last year was a momentous year for Debbie, who set herself the remarkable challenge of running 60 marathons in her 60th year
2024 was a momentous year for Debbie, who set herself the remarkable challenge of running 60 marathons in her 60th year.
During 2010, in a remote and rural part of Devon, Debbie was assisted by our crew when she was kicked in the head by a horse.
It was touch and go whether I’d survive the injuries, especially being in such a remote location. Without a shadow of a doubt, I wouldn’t be here today without the speed of response from Devon Air Ambulance.
One year after her incident, Debbie’s mum was the lucky winner of the Devon Air Ambulance Lottery, and she continued to loyally support the charity for the next 14 years until she died on 31 October, 2024.
Debbie had previously told her mum that for everything they had been through, she intended to run 60 marathons in her 60th year in support of DAA and another local charity, Fear Free.
Debbie’s mum had lived a full and amazing life and reminded her to ‘keep going, and don’t cry’, something Debbie held close to her during the Marathons. So, Debbie and her best friend, Mary, continued running despite her mum’s illnesses. ‘Without Mary, I couldn’t have done it,’ said Debbie.
Meeting Mary
Debbie is a fitness instructor who loves running because it helps to improve her mental health. Over the years Debbie has utilised her fitness classes to organise many fundraising runs, classes and group activities for DAA.
In 2008, at one of her fitness classes in Tiverton, Debbie met Mary who would soon become her best friend and biggest supporter. Mary said:
‘Debbie and I first met in January 2008 when I moved to Tiverton, and I attended one of her exercise classes. Fitness has always been very important to me, and it was through classes that I made new friends.
‘I started running, which hadn’t really been something I’d done before, but I found I really enjoyed it. I started entering events with Debbie and other friends.
‘It was truly Debbie’s enthusiasm for us to try something new that gave us all the confidence to enter events. Most of us were middle-aged women who probably wouldn’t have had the courage otherwise. In 2015, Debbie and I both obtained ballot places in the London Marathon – my very first marathon. We trained together since we found out we had places.
‘Over the years, our friendship has just grown. We’ve helped each other through difficult times and happy times and we are the very best of friends.
‘When Debbie told me of her idea for 60 marathons in her 60th year I told her “Great! We can do this if we plan it really well”. And we did just that.’
Throughout this momentous challenge, Debbie has said that she simply could not have succeeded without the support of her best friend, Mary, who helped to organise everything from the locations to advertising and even making sure they had collection tins to maximise the funds raised.
Debbie and Mary’s commitment to this awe-inspiring challenge, their friendship and their shared commitment to support our lifesaving service had a huge impact on so many people throughout the year. Experienced runners and total novices were invited to join Debbie for sections of each marathon and their story was even picked up and shared by BBC Radio.
I wouldn’t be here today without the speed of response from Devon Air Ambulance.
Challenge completed
Debbie ran her 60th marathon on New Year’s Eve 2024 at Saunton Beach.
In total, she has raised over £4,000 from this challenge, contributing to her years of fundraising and support for DAA.
Debbie’s determination and generosity continue to inspire so many in her community and beyond. We are extremely grateful for everything she has done. Congratulations on such an extraordinary achievement, Debbie!
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