Glenn Youens: 'London Marathon was something special I'll never forget'

Those were the words of an emotional Glenn Youens, who ran the London Marathon on Sunday in memory of his four-year-old daughter Violet-Grace – carrying a powerful message with him.

Violet died on Saturday, March 25, 2017 after being struck on Prescot Road, St Helens by a speeding car. 

As previously reported in the Star, Glenn Youens, from Eccleston, and his wife Becky have been campaigning for life sentences for dangerous drivers who kill.

An e-petition demanding a change in the law amassed more than 160,000 names – meaning it will be debated in parliament – and the parents have secured a meeting with justice minister Rory Stewart (see story, right).

To further raise awareness, Glenn, 31, ran the London Marathon on Sunday, wearing a flag emblazoned with ‘Slow Down For Violet-Grace’.

He completed the course in four hours and 32 minutes.

Speaking to the Star, he said: “It was incredible from the start, people were crowding the streets throughout. It was an amazing experience. 

“Everyone was reading the flag and shouting Violet’s name or ‘Slow Down for Violet’, it was emotional but so important It’s exactly what we wanted to happen.

“I just wanted to run it to experience it and be in the moment, it wasn’t about times it was about getting the message out there for Violet-Grace’s Law. We had quite a few people at the start and end asking about Violet and we told them her story and what we are trying to do, even runners were cheering me on after reading it. People in the crowd were even blowing kisses. Violet was with me, I couldn’t not feel like she was with me with everyone shouting her name. It was something special that I will never forget.”

Glenn with wife Becky

Glenn has already signed up to run next year’s London Marathon and will be taking part in the Southport Triathlon on May 9 and the Liverpool Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon May 26.
To sponsor Glenn go to bit.ly/2VQy4k1