By Owen Morgan
Helen James is one of six inspirational runners to receive a 2019 Spirit of the London Marathon Award.
The award celebrates those extraordinary people who have demonstrated the unique spirit of what is considered to be the world’s greatest marathon.
A member of the Cardiff-based Les Croupiers Running Club, James has cerebral palsy in all four limbs and a learning disability.
Back in London this week to pick up her award at a special ceremony, James said: “It means a lot to me to have won this award today, I am so happy.”
The former para track athlete has found running, pilates and yoga help her to stay focused and flexible.
James first ran the Virgin Money London Marathon in 2017 after winning a place in the ballot.
The 26.1 miles around the capital’s streets was her first marathon. With the aid of her support runner, she finished in 6 hours and 49 minutes.
James went on to run the 2018 TCS New York City Marathon with her support runner, but following a fall the day before the race, which meant she required hospital treatment, she was disappointed to miss out on improving her PB.
However, in April, James returned to the Virgin Money London Marathon and improved her PB by a massive 27 minutes, finishing in 6 hours and 22 minutes.
A familiar face on the south Wales running circuit and beyond, she has completed several half marathons, including the Simply Health Great North Run, many10Ks and is a regular Saturday morning parkrunner.
In winning a Spirit of The London Marathon Award, James follows in the footsteps of fellow Welsh athlete Matthew Rees.
In 2017, the Swansea Harrier hit the headlines all over the world when he stopped to help fellow runner David Wyeth, who was in distress as he approached the finishing line on The Mall.
The iconic moment inspired the creation of the Spirit of The London Marathon Awards.
Other runners to pick up their awards alongside James this week were Dave Heeley, known as “Blind Dave”, who completed his 16th London Marathon and cancer survivor Jane Smith, who completed the event just 11 weeks after a hip replacement.
The husband of actress Dame Barbara Windsor, Scott Mitchell, was also a recipient of an award this year after persuading members of the EastEnders cast to run alongside him and raise a record £4m for Dementia Research.
Mitchell said: “To be among the other winners, who are just incredible, is really moving. I’m absolutely overwhelmed to have been awarded a Spirit of The London Marathon Award.”
This year, the Virgin Money London Marathon announced a world-beating landmark as fundraising from the event reached £1billion. For the 13th consecutive year, the London Marathon set a world record for fundraising at annual single-day event, with an incredible £66.4 million raised for charity in 2019.