Rainbows trio aiming for pot of gold in charity run
STAFF MEMBERS IN TRAINING FOR THE
THREE members of the Rainbows Care Team are lacing up their trainers and heading north to take part in the world’s biggest half-marathon.
Philip Yorkstone, Andy Chandler and Jess Hutton all work within the Care Team at Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People.
On Sunday, September 11 they will be swapping their scrubs for running vests to take on the Great North Run.
Andy, a nurse associate, has never considered himself a runner but last year he started Couch to 5k, an NHS running plan for absolute beginners, and has taken it to another level.
“I am nervously excited about it if that makes sense, but it makes me feel better that Philip and Jess will be there and this event is really important to me,” said Andy.
He said he was hoping the families of the youngsters in their care will get involved in the fund-raising.
“I am hoping our families will support us - they know us, they know we look after their children and we want them to be proud of us.”
For physiotherapist Philip, this will be the third time he has taken part in the Great North Run.
He said: “I think it is the most iconic, greatest mass participation event.
“I am a huge lover of sport and standing in crowds of 60,000 people and watching is amazing; actually standing with 60,000 people and doing it together is something else.
“We are so passionate about the work we do that we want to get Rainbows out there so others can be aware of what we do.”
Band 6 Nurse Jess, who has worked at Rainbows for five years, is eager to get her running shoes on again.
“I completed the Great North Run for Rainbows last year and couldn’t wait to do it again,” said Jess.
“The money raised is essential for us to continue to deliver the muchneeded care for our children and young people.”
Rainbows still has running places for the event. By signing up to run on behalf of the charity, sponsorship will be helping to support babies, children and young people with terminal and life-limiting illnesses, and their families.
■ To snap up one of the final few places, call 01509 638049 or visit :
rainbows.co.uk/gnr22 If running a half-marathon is not for you but you still want to get involved, you can sponsor the team at: