Veteran runs her own London Marathon around NHS Nightingale

A military veteran has adapted her London Marathon challenge in the wake of COVID-19 cancellations. Physiotherapist Sally Orange still ran 26 miles in London but did it by running around the perimeter of the capital's Nightingale hospital.

The former Army medic of 22 years, completed the feat whilst training to help coronavirus patients at the new facility in London.

She live-streamed her run on her Facebook page, dedicating each mile to a healthcare worker.

On her fundraising page, she set a target of £1,000 and reached it with three miles left to run.

She said all the money that's been raised will be divided evenly between the NHS charity and Frontline Children, an organisation committed to helping young people caught up in conflict.

Before her challenge, she wrote:

''Friday was the first day of my induction training to prepare to deploy to the London NHS Nightingale Hospital, when and if required. Tomorrow is my final day of training.

''I will be donning my NHS scrubs and face mask and running a marathon around the exterior of the NHS Nightingale Hospital."

Work to transform the ExCel convention centre into the 4,000-bed NHS Nightingale Hospital began on Wednesday 25 March.

Up to 200 personnel, including infantry from the 1st Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment, were involved in the construction, working long hours to open the facility in a matter of weeks.

Also the UK National Ambassador for the Army Cadets, Sally hopes completing her third "lockdown marathon" will inspire young people whilst raising money for healthcare staff on the frontline.

Cover image: Sally Orange outside NHS NIghtingale in London (Picture: Sally Orange).