Charities benefit from Sheffield runners virtual marathons

Clive Downing, aged 58, and Tracy Connolly, aged 37, both completed the 26 mile slog raising much needed cash for the Alzheimer's Society and the NSPCC.

Clive, who works on distinct heating for the city council, took up running five years ago to cope with stress after his wife Jayne was diagnosed with dementia, and he is on track to raise £10,000.

Clive and Jayne were enjoying a holiday in Mexico in 2015 to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary when he first noticed all was not well.

Within six months of showing symptoms, Jayne was diag nosed with early onset dementia and the couple’s lives were turned upside down.

The couple have two daughters and four grandchildren, and Clive says it has been tough for everyone to adjust to how their lives have changed, which is why he took up running to give him a little escape.

He said: “I’m no spring chicken anymore and this was my first ever marathon, so I’m thrilled to have completed it.

“With the London event cancelled, I ran the old Sheffield Marathon route instead.

" Now that I’ve proved to myself I can that, I’m looking forward to next year when, hopefully, I can take part in the actual London Marathon.”

Tracy Connolly (pictured bottom right) is a children’s practitioner from the NSPCC’s Sheffield service centre and raised over £640 for them.

The mother of two had previously run two marathons and had promised herself: “Never again.”

She said: “I always said I would not put myself through anything like that again, it is hard, both emotionally and physically, but lockdown and its difficulties made me think again.”

Tracy ran from her home to Dunford Bridge and back, twice, finishing in a very commendable time of 4 hours, 24 minutes and 45 seconds. She managed to raise £518, and with gift aid, the total now stands at £645.

It was hard going for Tracy and she admits she hit the infamous “wall” at 20 miles, but spotting other runners on her route along with the support of her family and friends kept her going.

FROM THE EDITOR

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