Annual charity run falls victim to coronavirus
An annual Sunderland run which raises money for Forces heroes has been cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Organisers of the Run 2 Respect had to take the difficult decision to cancel the 5k run which was due to have been held at Silksworth on Sunday, November 1.
But the continuing threat of the coronavirus has forced the cancellation.
Event founder Claire Douglas said: “Due to the impact of COVIDd-19 and the ongoing risks associated with the virus, it is with deepest regret that I have taken the hard decision to cancel Run to Remember 2020.
"Given we are still unable to return to ‘normal’ and other large scale events are not going ahead, I feel unable to do so either.
"Participants safety is my highest priority and I am unable to ensure it. We will endeavour to run the event in 2021.”
She urged all those who have supported the event over the years to ‘stay home, stay safe’.
Last year’s Run 2 Respect was a huge success and it had a star name to launch it.
Spectators and runners were treated to an event to remember with SAFC legend Kevin Ball starting the race, and ‘Big Pink Dress’ Colin Burgin-Plews getting loads of encouragement in his latest creation, complete with headwear covered in poppies.
Claire is no stranger to fundraising and has been organising charity runs for years.
Her efforts helped her to win the Sunderland Echo Best of Wearside 2015 Fundraiser of the Year trophy and she has never stopped fundraising since.