Son on the run for mum
A RUNCORN dad has been moved by the ‘amazing’ support shown by residents including complete strangers for a charity fundraising challenge inspired by his mother Jennie Ireland.
Steve Bebbington, 46, set out hoping to run 100 miles in a month when he first thought up the Miles For Mum but that distance has now sprawled to an epic target of around 5,000 miles after word spread of the feat.
The challenge is open to walking as well as running and one fundraiser covered 17 miles in one go by walking from the Runcorn Cenotaph to Liverpool John Lennon Airport and back.
Miles For Mum also caught the interest of the Run Sandymoor running group, whose support has helped push the total fundraiser’s distance covered at time of writing to 3.500 miles.
Steve was confident of reaching 5,000.
Funds are being raised for the Alzheimer’s Society and bridge tolls operator merseyflow has donated £1,000 to Simonsfield Care Home where Steve’s mum Jennie, 80, is now staying.
Steve said: “It’s a big community effort.
“It’s a lot of people in Runcorn and Widnes trying to do their best and pulling together.”
Steve added: “It’s amazing.
“People are doing stuff to raise some money and helped us hit target.
“It’s really encouraging, it’s a nice thing that’s happened.”
Describing the inspiration for the challenge, he said his mother wanted to stay in the family home but when he realised they needed help, Simonsfield ‘stepped in’.
He said: “She’s settled in pretty well over the last five to six weeks, made a few friends and Simonsfield have been brilliant with her.
“It’s a hard thing to do but they’ve made it a lot easier.”
Follow the group’s progress at the Miles For Mum’s page on Facebook, and to donated, visit www. justgiving.com and search for ‘Stephen’s Miles for Mum’.