King’s Lynn College of West Anglia Student Lizzie Morris Sampson completes London Marathon for charity which helps blind and deaf people
A visually impaired college student has completed the London Marathon for a charity close to her family’s heart.
Lizzie Morris-Sampson, a T Level student at the College of West Anglia in Lynn, completed the 26.2-mile race for the charity Sense, which helps people who are blind and deaf.
Lizzie, 18, completed the challenge alongside her mum, who has run the course twice before.
She said: “I applied to various charities, and when Sense offered me a spot, I was ecstatic.
“My mum used to work for them, and I’ve seen the difference they make.”
Despite major health setbacks during her training – including eye surgery, a broken foot and an operation for endometriosis just weeks before race day – Lizzie pushed through with determination and family support.
She said: “There were points we didn’t think it would happen, but we managed to do it.”
Her mum designed a training schedule that worked around Lizzie’s studies. ‘
“She planned everything around my college timetable and other commitments. I couldn’t have done it without her,” Lizzie added.
Race day wasn’t without challenges, either.
Lizzie added: “I threw up three times, but the crowd was incredible – the energy and support really kept me going. Seeing my sister cheering me on meant the world.”
Now, Lizzie is setting her sights on running the New York and Berlin marathons alongside her mum as part of the World Marathon Majors.
She said: “We’d love to do them together. We just need to work on our speed to qualify.”
Lizzie's journey into running is even more remarkable given that she previously “hated PE” and “was never a sporty person”.
Since joining the college, Lizzie says she’s truly found her place.
She said: “I started A Levels at a different school and didn’t thrive there, but here I’m loving my T Level course.
“I’ve got a wonderful group of friends, and their support at college and of my marathon running has been fantastic.”
