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A HUSBAND-and-wife team from Leigh have successfully completed a tough charity challenge in memory of a much-missed family member.
Zena and Rick Thompson took part in this year’s Great North Half Marathon on September 8, fundraising for Alzheimer’s Society.
Mr Thompson explained: “We ran The Great North Run, in memory of Zena’s late mother, Carol Allchorne,
“Carol was diagnosed four years ago with the condition, and sadly passed away in June 2023.”
The Great North Run is the largest half marathon in the world, and sees participants run between Newcastle upon Tyne and South Shields.
Mrs Thompson described the day: “It was a tough run as the weather was not on our side that day, and the run itself was full of some challenging hills and roundabouts.
“Along the way, I was thinking of my late mum who was there by my side.
“The last mile and a half went along South Shields seafront, which was the longest half a mile of my life, but what did keep me going was the amount of support from the crowd that was there to cheer you on the whole way.”
Whilst Mrs Thompson was taking on the run as a fresh challenge, it was Rick’s 19th time of running.
He managed the run in two hours and 10 minutes, with Mrs Thompson coming in at three hours and 10 minutes.
She added: “Rick finished his run way before me, but was there for me at the end of the run, we were so pleased to both finish, and a well-earned beer afterwards was needed!”
She added: “I would like to thank everyone who has donated some money to Alzheimer’s- its much appreciated, and we have raised just over £1,000.”
You can still donate to the Thompson’s efforts by visiting: justgiving.com/fundraising/GreatNorthRun2024-RickThompson?utm_medium=proxy_fundraising&utm_content=GreatNorthRun2024-RickThompson&utm_source=email&utm_campaign=pfp-email.
Picture: Zena and Rick Thompson with their medals
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