Marathon runners supported by daisy
|
Two London Marathon runners from Colne have had their charity coffers boosted after a Pendle firm donated £1,000 to them.
Judith Stansfield (32), of Keighley Road, and Ryan Atkins (35), of Langroyd Road, each received £500 from Nelson-based Daisy Communications for taking part in this year's marathon.
Judith, a teacher at Barden Primary School, Burnley, was running in memory of her daughter Jessica, who died in 2005, raising money for Ronald McDonald House at Alder Hey Hospital, while Ryan was running for the British Heart Foundation.
In order to help the pair along the way, daisy pledged to donate £500 to each on completion of the gruelling 26 mile circuit.
Judith, who was accompanied on the run by her father Gerry McCabe (60), also of Colne, has raised almost £5,000 for her chosen charity. And a self-confessed non-runner, she said: "This was my first ever race and maybe my last. It was an emotional experience which took a painful six and a half hours. Some would say that was a hell of a long time, but it was never about the time.
"Ronald McDonald House at Alder Hey hospital Liverpool was our chosen charity as it was where my husband, son and I stayed when our daughter Jess was in hospital. It was the most distressing time of our lives, but having McDonald house meant one of us could always be with Jess.
"It relies on donations to keep it running and is such a valuable charity. I am so very grateful that daisy was able to donate such a huge amount of money to such a good cause."
Following his participation, Ryan has raised more than £1,000 for the British Heart Foundation, a charity he chose to support following the death of both his father and stepfather to sudden heart-related conditions last year.
On presenting Judith and Ryan with their sponsorship money, daisy's Commercial Director Tony Dixon said: "Both runners have been remarkable in completing the marathon and they are a true inspiration.
"Judith and Ryan were running for important charities and as a company we are proud to have been able to support them and help them raise vital money for causes close to their hearts."
|
