Lad runs alone to raise charity cash for heroes
Mark Roberts.
A 10-year-old Alnwick boy will be running the Junior Great North Run for his dad, who is serving in Afghanistan, next weekend.
Mark Roberts has run the race alongside his dad for the last two years, but this year he is in Afghanistan with the RAF, so Mark’s decided to do it alone and raise money for Help for Heroes.
Mark’s dad Spencer, nicknamed Spen, has been out in the wartorn country since April working as communications manager at Camp Bastion.
He will not be back until the end of October, so is missing the event.
Mark’s mum Andrea said it was all her son’s idea and it was also his decision to raise money for Help for Heroes.
“Spen has been supporting the charity for a number of years; he ran the Coast to Coast race in Bahrain last year,” she said.
“He admires the work they do to support the wounded, especially as he is in the RAF and has seen what can happen to the men and women on the front-line.
“It was an easy choice for Mark and he is doing so well with his fund-raising.
“Originally he set himself a target of £300 pounds, but we are already at £283 so he has now pushed it up to £400.”
Mark, a pupil at Lindisfarne Middle School and a keen sportsman who runs for Alnwick Harriers, is really looking forward to the day.
He will be taking part in the junior four-kilometre run on Saturday and will be cheered on by a large group of family and friends, including his older brother Daniel.
“Even though he can’t be there, Spen is so very proud of Mark and what he is doing,” Andrea added. “He has sent him lots of love.”
To sponsor Mark, visit www.bmycharity.com/MarkRoberts
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Friday 24 May 2013
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