Viz co-founder Simon set to tackle Run for charity
STAND-UP’S HALF MARATHON CHALLENGE
STAND-UP Simon Donald is set to tackle the world’s biggest half marathon to help vulnerable youngsters in the region.
The comic, who has multiple sclerosis, will do the Great North Run later this year to support leading businessman Graham Wylie’s charity.
Simon, who co-created the adult comic Viz with his brother Chris, is determined to ignore the pain by running on Sunday, September 10 to raise cash for the Graham Wylie Foundation’s Rock ’n’ Raise campaign.
He is hoping to encourage potential runners to join him in taking part in this year’s event.
Rock ’n’ Raise was launched last year as part of the newly-formed Graham Wylie Foundation, which is raising funds through music events to support the creation of a music therapy centre at the former matron’s lodge at Newcastle’s Fleming Hospital.
When complete, the centre will use music therapy to help children and young people from across the region.
Simon said: “I guess it’s not widely known that I have a number of health challenges myself – MS, arthritis, asthma SIMON DONALD and a rare blood condition called ITP. I’m also patron of Dyslexia North East, so there were many, many causes I could have chosen to run for in this, my first Great North Run.
“However, when I first helped Graham Wylie withh his Kaiser Chiefs event lastst year, I knew I wanted too help spread the word aboutut his fabulous work and gennerosity in setting up a charr ity without any administration costs.
“This run will be a challenge for me but I really want to get out there and help raise awareness of the great work of the GWF.”
Wylie, who co-founded The Sage Group software firm, said he was delighted Simon had agreed to support the charity.
He said: “I’m a big fan of Simon’s and it’s wonderful that he’s tackling the run on behalf of the foundation.
“I’ve known him for some time.
“He did a superb job of hosting our Rock ’n’ Raise concert last year and I’m deeply touched by his com commitment to helping us again this year.
“I really hope other runners will get on board and join him in raising money to help improve the lives of children in the region.”
Simon previously helped the campaign by hosting last year’s inaugural Rock ’n’ Raise concert at Newcastle Arena – which was headlined by the Kaiser Chiefs and raised £45,000.
Here’s how you can help by providing a punchline of your own.
Places are still available for people who are keen to tackle this year’s Great North Run.
To run in support of Rock’n’n Raise, call the foundation on 0191 212 5140 or email info@grahamwylie foundation.org.uk
To sponsor Simon, text VIZbloke to 70300 to donate £3 or, to support the Graham Wylie Foundation, sign up to grahamwyliefoundation.org. uk/great-north-run