Great North Runners raise thousands for JDC
Under grey skies and through intermittent rain a total of forty intrepid runners completed the half-marathon. With a few sponsors left to chase up, It is estimated that around £10,000 will have been raised. When the final count is in it is likely the group’s Great North runners will have raised over £100,000 since 2002 for various related causes.
A special mention must go to David Golding, Development Co-ordinator for MPH NE, who ran “for the first and last time” to celebrate his 70th year.
Having been plagued by repeated Achilles tendon injuries during training, he initially restricted himself to walking at a very brisk pace, apart from jogging across the iconic Tyne Bridge. After walking the first four miles in under an hour, he then jogged and walked alternately, completing the course in 2 hours 51 minutes, with no recurrence of the injuries. (it’s not too late to sponsor him!)
Thanks also to Professor Ella Ritchie, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Newcastle University; and Tom Delamere, President of Newcastle University's Students' Union, who came over to show their support. MPH NE have offered to find places to stay for runners from other regions who would like to join them next year and raise some money.
Make Poverty History North East also arranged a weekend of events to coincide with the United Nations Millennium Development Goals summit. JDC Director Nick Dearden spoke at the “Hear about the Progress – and Call for More!” talk on the MDGs.
The occasion also marked the re-launch of Make Poverty History North East as North East Call to Action on Global Poverty and Climate Change. The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Newcastle, Councillor Brenda Hindmarsh and Mrs Gitta Faulkner; the Leader of the City Council, Councillor David Faulkner; and the Vice-Chancellor of Newcastle University, Professor Chris Brink also attended.
Links
Make Poverty History North East
If you are interested in running next year contact or