More than 70 fabulous fundraisers lined up for Newlife Foundation at the Great Birmingham Run on Sunday (October 19) – and between them have raised more than £5,000 to support disabled and terminally ill children.
Among the 70 Newlife runners were the event’s oldest entrant Gordon Woodlands from Walsall, Cannock’s Conservative Prospective Parliamentary candidate Amanda Milling, a team of five from Central England Co-operative and Birmingham dad Charisma Agbonlahor whose disabled daughter Jayla is currently being supported by Newlife.
They all completed the 13.1-mile course around Birmingham city centre, in times ranging from 1:29:32 to 3:10:31, which was logged by Gordon, who celebrates his 83rd birthday today (October 21).
Gordon, a former Walsall milkman and postman who took up running in 2011 after the death of his wife Norah, said: “I get into a rhythm and keep up a good pace. But I always like to sprint the last 100 yards . . . .”
The money the 70 runners have jointly raised will be used to provide specialist equipment for disabled and terminally ill children across the UK, with much of the money being restricted to the Midlands. This means more families in need are set to get the essential equipment they need; like wheelchairs and buggies for mobility, car seats and beds for safety and communication aids so they can tell their parents when they are hungry or in pain.
Newlife fundraising manager Nora Smith said: “We are very grateful for the support of all our runners – it was a challenging route but everyone seemed to enjoy the experience, and there was a real spirit of cameraderie. The money they have raised will help make a real difference to children’s lives.”
Newlife was a ‘Gold Bond’ partner for the Great Birmingham Run, which is the biggest event of its kind in the West Midlands.
Pictured: Amanda Milling Pictured: Gordon Woodlands
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