University of Hertfordshire physiotherapy students support London Marathon runners

The University of Hertfordshire BSc and Pre-Registration MSc Physiotherapy programmes volunteered at the London Marathon, delivering post-event massages to some of the 350 runners raising funds for the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society.

The University’s physiotherapy programme has been involved with the MS Society for 15 years, but this was the first time some of the students had been involved in an event since the pandemic, and the atmosphere of the Marathon made for an exhilarating day. The students were able to combine their massage activity with periods of watching the runners and cheering them on from the prime location of the MS Society after-race party.

The MS Society is hoping that this year’s London Marathon will raise at least £800,000. This is used to fund research, fund support services, provide specialised MS nurses and manage support their forums.

It was a great opportunity for students and academic staff to work together to help a group of special runners at a prestigious event. Many runners expressed their gratitude for the students’ support, with one runner saying: “My feet are so thankful to you!”. Another commented: “I can’t tell you how wonderful it was to have a massage after running this race. The students were so lovely, showing such interest in me and my story.”

Sue Roscoe, Physiotherapy Practice Team Lead said: “We are particularly impressed with our students because many of them started the first day of their placement the day after the Marathon, so will have had to travel straight to their placement sites after the event finished in readiness to start work. We really appreciate their dedication to this cause.”

Plans are underway for the students to attend the next London Marathon in April 2024 and to continue the University’s relationship with the MS Society.

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