Ashleigh Netherton was left devastated after a positive Coronavirus test on the eve of the London Marathon meant she couldn’t take part. 

The 41-year-old from Pinehurst did a lateral flow test on Friday which was negative, before travelling to London, but started to feel unwell so took another test while in the capital. 

“I did a lateral flow test on Friday, it was negative, my family and I travelled to London,” she said.

“I registered and collected my number and dropped off my finish line bag. 

“We had a day out shopping with our teenagers in Notting Hill on Saturday and my son and I both started to feel more and more unwell.

“When we got back to the hotel we took another lateral flow test and we were both positive. 

“I took four more just to check, then we left for home.

“I’m so, so desperately disappointed.

“It is the worst timing, although I’m sure Covid would never be convenient. I’m feeling quite rough at the moment.

Ashleigh had ran at least 30 miles a week in preparation, even going vegan and alcohol-free. 

She was raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support after the charity provided care for her grandmother towards the end of her life. 
She is determined that once she’s better she will run a marathon to make up for the disappointment.