Charity feature: Surrey-based Harrison’s Fund is urging people to don their trainers and take part in next year’s Surrey Half Marathon on their behalf
Harrison’s Fund is named after eight year old Harrison Smith from Surrey who was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a fatal genetic condition which affects the muscles, causing muscle weakness. The charity’s goal is to get as much money as possible into the hands of the world’s best researchers, who are working to find a cure for Duchenne.
The charity is one of four chosen Charity Partners for the 2015 Surrey Half and is asking people to choose them to fundraise for.
Alex Smith, Founder of the charity and dad of Harrison added: “As a Surrey charity this challenge is extra important to us because it’s a local affair. We’d love to get a big ‘Harrison’s Team’ together to run and show their support for Harrison and all the boys out there just like him who come 10 years time won’t be able to do something as simple as climb a stairs, let a lone run a half marathon.”
The event takes place on 8 March 2015 starting and finishing at Woking Leisure Centre. The route will take in a single loop through the countryside around the town. Bands along the route will keep runners entertained and motivated. 4 water stations on the route will ensure everyone is well hydrated. Entry is just £36 until 31 December 2014 and £41 from 1 January 2015. Harrison’s Fund are asking individuals to raise a minimum of £100 and teams of three can also be entered.
Alan Williams, 38, Epsom took part in the course last year. He chose to support Harrison’s Fund as his godson suffers from Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
He said: “The Harrison’s Team were a great bunch of people and we all thoroughly enjoyed the race as running through the Surrey Hills is just beautiful - even the tough bits! It was my first half marathon and I was delighted to complete it and along with my team mates raise over £14,000 in total. I would urge anyone looking to take part in a challenge next year to consider this great event and of course, this wonderful charity.”
To sign up you go to surreyhalfmarathon.co.uk and go to ‘Sign up 2015’. Entry is limited to 7,000 runners
