REGIONAL RUNNERS CELEBRATE 30 YEARS OF FUNDRAISING
13th May 2012 Runners from across the region took on an extremely muddy five-mile fun-run today on the 30th anniversary of the record-breaking Children’s Cancer Run.
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The run, which is sponsored by Greggs, took place at Gosforth Park in Newcastle today with approximately 9,000 runners braving the water-logged course to raise funds for North of England Children’s Cancer Research (NECCR).
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Former regional weather girl Wincey Willis who returned to the run 30 years after she started the first run back in 1982 started the race, thankfully she brought the sunshine with her so runners only had puddles to contend with as they ran.
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A colourful mix of runners of all ages took part from seasoned athletes to fancy dress fun runners who completed the five miles with friends, family and colleagues alike.
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One such group was made up of a selection of local musician who’ve completed the run for the second time this year as a team in a tradition they’ve coined ‘Bands on the Run’. Guitarist for local Thin Lizzy tribute band ‘Black Rose’, Paul Richardson explains, “I first got involved with the run’s administrator Tony Gilroy and the NECCR fund about four years ago when a band I was in at the time was invited to play a concert in aid of the charity.”
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After raising over £700 for NECCR last year the group of bands agreed to make their participation a tradition and got involved again for the 30th anniversary.
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Paul commented: “Local musicians and bands have always helped charities in a big way and many give up their time free of charge to play charity events across the region throughout the year. Bands On The Run has provide a different way for musicians to give towards a great cause and we’ve all had great fun joining in.”
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Runners completed a slightly altered course to avoid the more water-logged parts of the traditional route, to make it to the finish line where they collected a Greggs picnic and special edition 30th anniversary medal.
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David Wood, Chairman of the NECCR commented, “Each year I’m blown away by the dedication of the volunteers to who work tirelessly to make this event possible but I want to say a special thank you to all of the runners who turn up whatever the weather to make the day as special as it is each year. The Money you raise makes such a difference to the lives of the children affected by cancer, thank you.”
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The Gregg’s Children’s Cancer Run began in 1983, when 100 students from King’s School in Tynemouth took part in the race to raise money for treatment for fellow student, Chris Peacock. Chris was diagnosed with diagnosed with cancer of the kidneys when he was four years old, and was given just a 30% chance of survival. Chris, now 36, is chairman of the race committee, and a proud father of two girls.
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Chris said, “I’m so proud of what the run represents and what it’s become over the past 30 years, we planned to make our 30th anniversary event extra special and thanks to the runners and their enthusiasm we’ve pulled it off. We have such amazing support from all of our volunteers, from the people to set the course to those who hand out medals or man the car parks and the thirtieth year is one I’ll remember for a very long time.”
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“It is rare to find a charity event that engages every generation, but each year we have everyone from toddlers to Grandparents taking part, which is what the day is all about. It is for such a worthwhile cause, and one that is obviously close to my heart.”
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The NECCR accept donations all year round, for more information visit www.neccr.co.uk.
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