Marathon runner helps exhausted athlete finish the race
London Marathon runner Matthew Rees has been hailed a hero today (April 23) for helping an exhausted athlete cross the finish line of the gruelling 26.2-mile course.
The heartwarming moment was caught by the BBC's coverage and picked up by social media users who were quick to praise Rees's actions as he put his arm around the struggling runner and helped him finish the race.
This is exactly what the #LondonMarathon is all about👏🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/fRhkzMflB5
- London Marathon (@LondonMarathon) April 23, 2017
"I took the final corner thinking, 'right, it's nearly done, time to sprint', and I saw this guy and his legs just crumbled below him," Rees explained later to ITV News.
"I saw him try to stand up again and his legs just went down again, and I thought 'this is more important, getting him across the line is more important than shaving a few seconds off my time'.
"I went over to try and help him and every time he tried to get up he just fell down again and again, so I just tried to cheer him on, picked him up and said: 'Come on, we can do this'.
"He was really grateful, but he wasn't very coherent, he was just like 'I have to finish, I have to finish' and I said 'you will finish, you will get there, come on let's do this', but every time he tried to move he would just fall again so it was important to guide him."
Matthew Rees, of @SwanHarrierDev, you've just encompassed everything that's so special about the #LondonMarathon. We salute you. 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/86Ql4LLBEa
- London Marathon (@LondonMarathon) April 23, 2017
The man he helped, named as David Wyeth, was soon taken away for medical treatment, and Rees added that he was just glad the man was alright.
"This is what the Marathon is about – it's about people – it's for everyone," he added. "Moments like this make it worth it. I'm just glad he's okay."
And that's exactly the sentiment viewers watching coverage of the marathon shared on social media as Rees's actions were noticed and shared on Twitter:
Matthew Rees #SwanseaHarriers what a bloody hero! We need more people like you in the world, da iawn #LondonMarathon #VLM2017 pic.twitter.com/Ly2ld6UgHA
- The Welsh Girl (@thewelshgirl1) April 23, 2017
Star of #LondonMarathon so far - Matthew Rees of @SwanHarrierDev.
Club runner who shunned his own PB to help a runner in trouble to finish.👏- Sue Charles (@Sue_Charles) April 23, 2017
What a magnificent display of goodness and compassion. Matthew Rees of Swansea Harriers, you, are a true gentleman!#LondonMarathon pic.twitter.com/EqbZXmS0a0
- Adie ⚒️ (@R2DToots) April 23, 2017
Truly inspired by #LondonMarathon Swansea Harriers runner Matthew Rees #1547
- Demi Girling (@DemiGirling) April 23, 2017
@LondonMarathon well done that @SwanseaUKWAL runner, Matthew Rees I believe, in stopping & helping that runner in a bit of distress #proud👍🏃
- Darren Little (@Npteggchaser) April 23, 2017
Love the spirit after 26 miles Matthew Rees you're a saint @SwanHarrierDev #getinspired pic.twitter.com/P89Fhg3t3K
- Hilary Pope (@hilary_pope) April 23, 2017
Wow Matthew Rees from Swansea Harriers giving up his own time to help a fellow runner. What a legend! #LondonMarathon
- Kat Baker (@BakerKatTweets) April 23, 2017
1547 #SwanseaHarriers absolute Hero. Legend . Matthew Rees
- Glas-y-Dorlan (@BassHunterNeil) April 23, 2017
Need more people like #MatthewRees #faithinhumanity 💗🌍🕊 https://t.co/VtYgUTSf2D
- Estelle (@Estelley77) April 23, 2017
Bloody top job man#MatthewRees #LondonMarathon https://t.co/3t5sAQ4rAv
- Jon Howes (@Chaeth) April 23, 2017
Great display of compassion #TrulyAKindHuman #MatthewRees 👏👏 @LondonMarathon https://t.co/xeq8HtWbde
- Admdil (@Admdil07) April 23, 2017
Wow!!!! Just incredible. Go Matthew Rees! #GetInspired #LondonMarathon https://t.co/UYPgfj7vtY
- Becky James (@BecksJames) April 23, 2017
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