The official Great North Run was scheduled for 13 September but has now been cancelled. However, mum-of-two Heather left her own Leeds starting line on Sunday 14 June in an effort to run 13 miles each week for the 13 weeks leading up to the event.
Heather will be supported by Daniel’s godfather, ex-university friend Paul who came up with the idea for the 13 week challenge and will also be running 13 miles for 13 weeks. Their regional runs will amount to an extra 169 miles each – the distance from Leeds to London.
Heather’s son Daniel was diagnosed with collagen-related congenital muscular dystrophy when he was three years old. The condition means he cannot stand or walk, uses a wheelchair full time, and in the future may have scoliosis and breathing problems.
Heather explains:
It wasn’t certain that the Great North Run would go ahead as many large runs have been postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. So Paul came up with a fantastic idea of challenging ourselves to run 13 miles per week in the 13 weeks leading up to the race in September. Now that the Great North Run has been officially cancelled, we may finish with our own half-marathon, the inaugural Great Leeds and Leicester Run!
By supporting the charity and taking on their challenge, Heather and Paul are making a huge impact and helping to ensure that Muscular Dystrophy UK is able to continue its vital work supporting individuals and families living with muscle-wasting conditions.
Heather added:
Daniel’s condition was a huge diagnosis, but anyone who knows Daniel can see he doesn’t let it hold him back. He has lots of friends at school, loves football, rugby and Star Wars. Not to mention giving his big sister, Matilda, a helping hand with roller-skating by letting her hitch a ride behind his powerchair.
I’d love to help other families whose children have recently been diagnosed with a condition like Daniel’s. I know first-hand just how intense and scary this time can be, which is why I’ve volunteered to be part of Muscular Dystrophy UK’s peer support team. I will never forget the people that helped my family and me when we were in that position.
Kiera Santry, Challenge Events Officer at Muscular Dystrophy UK, said:
We’re so grateful to Heather and Paul for taking on this amazing challenge, which will help us to continue supporting people with muscle-wasting conditions. Running 13 miles a week for 13 weeks is no mean feat, let alone the prospect of a half-marathon at the end of it!
Charities like ours are needed now more than ever, but funds are stretched because of Covid-19. Support from people like Heather and Paul is even more vital at this time.
If you would like to support and follow Heather and Paul’s journey with their 13 miles for 13 weeks challenge, visit their JustGiving page.