A Shrewsbury couple who ran the London Marathon together on Sunday had become fiancées by the time they crossed the finish line.
During the race, Brett Shaw dropped to one knee outside Buckingham Palace on the final stretch and asked his stunned partner, Amber Deakin, to marry him.
Brett, who had never run a marathon before he completed the iconic long-distance race on Sunday, was running for The Children’s Society, a charity focused on young people facing abuse, exploitation and neglect.
Brett said:
“It was one of the greatest moments of my life, but it was also a nerve-racking experience; I was terrified Amber would notice the ring. It’s not easy to hide anything when all you are wearing is your running gear.
“The marathon was one of the biggest challenges we have faced, I thought that if we can do this together, why not face all the other challenges life has in store for us together?
“Running for The Children’s Society was a no brainer, I am familiar with the work they do through my own role in residential care. The changes they make to the lives of young people experiencing hardship is inspiring.” He said.
Amber says she had an unforgettable day and is still coming to terms with everything that was achieved over the weekend.
“The marathon itself was incredible, the atmosphere was amazing, credit to the crowds and the volunteers! A proposal was the cherry on top of a surreal day; it all still needs to sink in!” She said.
Charlie Bartlett, Community Mobilisation Manager at The Children’s Society, said:
“Both running the London Marathon and getting engaged are truly amazing accomplishments, but doing both on the same day is incredible. Massive congratulations to both Amber and Brett!
“Every pound raised by Brett and all our marathon runners will help The Children’s Society make a real difference to those facing some of life’s tough challenges.”
Credit: Joanna Zenghui Qiu.
