Uni charity runners hit the Big Apple

A trio of fundraisers from Teesside University is heading to America to run the New York Marathon to raise hospice funds.

Helen Pritchard will run in aid of Teesside Hospice in Middlesbrough, while Caroline Laverick and Diana Lesnic will raise funds for Stockton’s Butterwick Hospice. The marathon takes place on November 1.

Helen, Accommodation Assistant in Student Services, decided to take part to celebrate a birthday milestone after turning 30 on 4 September.

She said: 'I raised £500 for the hospice last year doing the Edinburgh Marathon, so if I can raise around that amount again I’ll be really pleased. I chose the hospice as it is a local charity.'

She caught the running bug from her dad David Pritchard, a former principal lecturer in the University’s School of Science & Technology.

Helen said: 'I used to go out running with him until he stopped due to ill health and I’m now a member of Billingham Marsh House Harriers. I just put on my ipod and set off running.'

Preparing to tackle their first marathon are Caroline and Diana, both from the University’s School of Computing.

They’ll be running in memory of friend Judy Griffiths, of Norton, who tragically lost her battle with bowel cancer. Judy was diagnosed while pregnant with son Samuel but sadly died five months after giving birth.

Caroline, 42, Senior School Administrator, said: 'Judy’s husband Martin has been raising money for the hospice and we are hoping to boost those funds.

'It’s the first time we have attempted a marathon and we’ve been getting stuck into our training plan. We’re really pleased to be able to take part, as the runners are chosen by lottery with just a small percentage of non-Americans.'

Diana, 29, who is originally from Russia and has worked at the University for six years, said, 'We have both been running for a few years and have previously completed the Great North Run, but this marathon is something which we had both always wanted to do.'

She added, 'I’m really looking forward to the marathon route, as it takes the runners away from some of the more well-known tourist places. We’re expecting the atmosphere to be great and we’re really looking forward to the challenge ahead.'

Anyone who would like to sponsor Helen can email h.pritchard@tees.ac.uk while Caroline and Diana can be sponsored at www.justgiving.com/Diana-Caroline.

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