Kind runners go the extra mile for charity
HUNDREDS of runners went the extra mile and took on the extra responsibility of fundraising as well as completing the Great South Run.
The 10-mile race returned to Southsea for the 27th time on Sunday. About 25,000 runners took part and many of those were supporting or raising money for good causes.
A group of 20 took part in aid of the Elizabeth Foundation – a charity, in Cosham, that helps deaf children learn how to listen and speak.
The kind-hearted runners, all from one family, raised more than £1,400 to thank the charity for helping Max, their deaf son, to speak.
Luke and Jo Uttley, along with Max, and their other children Jake and Chloe Hughes, participated in the Junior and Great South Run.
Luke also cycled from Suffolk to Cosham last week with Jake. He said: ‘The foundation is amazing. We couldn’t thank them enough for helping Max.’
Also running for a good cause was a group of 13, who took part to raise cash for Oliver’s Army.
The cause was set up by Oliver’s mum, Rachel Taplin, to make the family’s garden accessible and to pay for equipment that Oliver needs.
Oliver, 10, from Warsash, has complex disabilities, including cerebral palsy and epilepsy, and uses a wheelchair.
Five-year-old Molly Hopes, from North End, also ran the 1.5k junior race on Saturday and raised £450 for two charities – Hannah’s Holiday Home and Action Medical Research.