We're all in the running
Evening Chronicle - 15th September 2007
Reproduced here with permission
It's the countdown for the 27th Great North Run, which each year raises millions for good causes. But why do all those people put themselves through it? Jennifer Bradbury reports.
Anne Marr from West Denton, Newcastle, is doing the Great North Run (or as she calls it, the walk) for the first time ever. At the age of 61 she's decided to bite the bullet and change the habit of a lifetime – by running a half marathon.
A Deacon at Holy Nativity Church in Chapel House, Anne found herself pledging to undertake the race during a reading she was making to the church congregation about impossibilities becoming possible. She was speaking of the church's plans for a resource centre for the community.
"We have what seems like an impossible project to raise a lot of money for the church and associated buildings to be turned into use for the community. It will cost between £300,000 and £400,000. I found myself preaching, as a symbol of the impossible becoming possible, that I would do the Great North Run."
You can catch Anne, pictured above, pounding the streets of Chapel House as she intensifies her running schedule. But she has no illusions of being among the winners. "I'm never going to run the whole thing, but I don't care how long it takes. I'll crawl over the line if I must."
In addition to raising money for the church project, Anne is also raising sponsorship for the Alzheimer's Society. "My mother experienced dementia and a lot of people in the congregation know what it is like to live with it."
For 10 years Anne was the chaplain attached to the Mental Health Trust in Newcastle. "One of the things we're trying to do is make resources available to carers."
Married to Derek, 74, a priest at Holy Nativity, they have one daughter, Frances, who is a doctor based at the RVI in Newcastle. And it was Frances's encouragement that convinced her mum raising money by pounding the pavements was a good idea. "I set myself a high target, an impossible target of £10,000. While we might not quite make £10,000, we won't be far short."
She's raised the money through sponsorship from friends, relatives and people in the community. " I've probably no friends or family left speaking to me," she laughs.
Training, she says, has been slow and sometimes tough. But she's persevered and has run for 12 miles. "It was nearly all running, so I think I should make it if I'm careful. I'm not a runner, never have been and never will be, but I'm a fairly strong walker."
And what of Derek? "He keeps my body and soul stitched together when I crawl through the door after a run. I'm looking forward to it but there's a bit of trepidation. It's been a very interesting experience. You realise how lovely people are. People go that extra mile for others and this is my symbolic extra mile."
Anne's chief supporter and cheerleader is Carolyn Lawson (pictured below with Anne), a member of Holy Nativity, whose Dad made the first cross for the church in 1968.
Use this button to add this page to your favourite social bookmarksFundraising for 'Outside In' and Newcastle Alzheimer's Society
Help us make a difference for some of the people in Chapel House. 'Outside In' is a big project, creating facilities for the community, especially for those who are often overlooked such as older people and carers. Newcastle Alzheimer's Society are supporting us and a donation will go to them out of the money raised.
Carolyn: "Thank you for visiting our fundraising page. Your gift will support our 'Outside In' Community Project and Newcastle Alzheimer's Society."
Anne: "This is my first ever run - your only ever opportunity to sponsor me! I'm not a runner but life begins again at 60 and I plan to cover 13 miles in 3 hours, walking if necessary. And, Yes! I am training - round the streets of the parish with a prayer for those who live there. My efforts are dedicated to all who go the extra mile for others! The Red Arrows flew over me on my training run on 29th July - a good sign!! My personal best by the end of August was 12 miles in 2.5 hours.
Many thanks for your support."