Alma McClorey from Athboy outside St Mary's Hospital

London Marathon hero Alma makes another dash to see new Royal baby

NOELLE FINEGAN
An Athboy woman who was in London at the weekend to run the marathon found herself caught up in all the hype as the world waited for news of the arrival of the royal baby.
Alma McClorey bagged herself a prime front row spot outside the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital and thoroughly enjoyed all the excitement and the celebrations that followed the announcement of the birth of the new prince. She was interviewed on Sky News and RTE proudly wearing her medal having run the London Marathon the day before with her sister, Petrina Edwards in sweltering heat to raise funds for Crumlin Children's Hospital.


“Petrina had an early flight and was getting the train from Paddington Station and I went with her. We saw all the hype and activity as we passed. 
“It was just around the corner from the station so I seized the opportunity to see what the experience was like. I like Kate and the royal family. I was so glad I went down. It was great craic.”
It wasn't busy when Alma arrived at around 10am though it wasn't long before the crowds descended.


“When the news came out it was a baby boy, everyone went mad. There was champagne and chocolates going around, a pizza company sent lots of pizzas. It was brilliant.”
Sky news reporter Kay Burley was interviewing the well-wishers on the street including Alma who suggested Patrick - “a nice Irish name” - when asked what the baby should be called.
“Next thing my phone started hopping. I couldn't believe the amount of people who had been watching Sky News and saw me.”


Alma was also interviewed on RTE news by Fiona Mitchell. While she was enjoying all the excitement, Alma was getting a bit worried she might miss her flight so reluctantly had to leave and missed Prince William arriving with George and Charlotte and the new prince's introduction to the world by his proud parents on the steps of the hospital.
Alma and Petrina ran the London Marathon on Sunday to raise funds  for St John's Ward in Crumlin Hospital and so far have raised over €9,000. 
“It was our fourth marathon. We did the Dublin Marathon three times and this was our first time to do the London one. It was the hottest London Marathon on record,” said Alma. “I had hoped to do it in 4 hr 30 but it took me 5 hr 15 with the heat. Petrina did it in 3hr 50.


“It was 25 degrees. I saw loads of people collapsing around me. It was an achievement even just to finish,” she said.
Anyone who wishes to support Alma's fundraising can still make a donation on www.gofundme.com/4sveapk