In March 2024, we decided we would run for Mark Northwood, husband to Helen, father to Gregory, Ollie and Sasha. He had been diagnosed with Mesothelioma four years ago, with his life expectancy at the time placed at 12 months. He fought on with incredible bravery, however in March, his illness reached the stage where his treatment could only be palliative care and devastatingly just 3 weeks after we committed to taking part in the Half-Marathon, he passed away on 2nd April after his long battle.
We chose to fundraise for Mesothelioma UK due to the help and support Mark had received from the charity throughout his illness and this was a way that we felt we could give back to an organisation that means so much to his family and friends, with the hope that any funds that we managed to raise may help to find a cure for Mesothelioma in the future and prevent others from suffering and unfortunately passing away from the disease.
On Sunday 12 May 2024, Gregory Northwood, Zac Wilton, Ali Harrison, Clare Jackman, Tors Benham, Edward Harrison and Rebecca Case, all took part in the 2024 Jane Tomlinson Leeds Half-Marathon. It was a beautiful day up in Leeds for the run, aiding us all in completing the 13.1-mile run. Gregory and Zac ran together, finishing in 2hrs 1min. Edward and Rebecca also ran together finishing in 2hrs 8mins, followed by Tors with 2hrs 14mins. Ali completed the run in 2hrs 21mins, closely followed by Clare finishing in 2hrs 22mins.
It was a wonderful day, and we are all very proud to have taken part. In the process we have managed to raise over £6,500 for Mesothelioma UK. An incredible sum of money that we didn’t think we would reach. Having initially set our target at £2,000, we managed to reach that within 24 hours of starting our JustGiving page.
We would all like to say a huge thank you to everyone who very kindly donated to our fundraising campaign, it really means a lot and we hope that this money will be able to help a great deal in the fight to prevent this horrendous disease in the future.
Thank you to Megan Huxtable and Jill Lemon, from Mesothelioma UK, for their support throughout the fundraising process and in the build-up to the Half-Marathon, along with all the people at Mesothelioma UK who provide so much care and support for those diagnosed with Mesothelioma and that are continuously helping to make the future better for others through their research and spreading of awareness.
Special thanks go to Helen and Sasha Northwood, Claire and Andrew Wilton, Clint, Hannah and Ella Harrison, Isla and Faith Benham, Clare Larden, and Lee Woodward. who all came to Leeds to support us from the crowds throughout the run.
