The great human race
FAMILY GET RUNNERS TO HELP GIVE BACK TO KIDS’ FUND I couldn’t do without Rainbow Trust now. It understands what we have been through Claire Rainbow
THE Great North Run has become an iconic event across the country and this year will be no different.
Attracting around 57,000 people each year, it sees runners tackle a 13.1-mile course from Newcastle to South Shields.
This September, 79 – and counting – of those will be doing so in aid of ‘Team Daniel.’
Claire and Michael Rainbow, the parents of Daniel Rainbow, are calling on runners to raise cash for the charity, which helped him through his cancer diagnosis.
Daniel was diagnosed with neuroblastoma when he was just two years old. Now aged five, the County Durham lad is currently in remission.
But he and his family want to give back to the Rainbow Trust children’s charity, which helped them through darker days.
Mum Claire, of Stanley, said: “We would really encourage people to sign up to Team Daniel.
“The Rainbow Trust understands what we have been through, what our life looks like and what it feels like having a child with a serious illness. I couldn’t do without them now.” The money raised from Team Daniel’s Great North Run fundraising will contribute to assisting families in the North, like the Rainbows, and families across England caring for seriously ill children.
The charity pairs each family with a family support worker, who takes it upon himself or herself to help around the home, in hospital and in the community, for as long as required.
The Rainbow Trust family support worker for Daniel’s family is Sabrina, who has been supporting the family for the past three years.
Dad Michael said: “Sabrina is a fantastic listener and has helped relieve a lot of anxiety. We can’t imagine life without her.” Oonagh Goodman, director of fundraising and marketing at Rainbow Trust, said: “The Great North Run is one of Rainbow Trust’s biggest events of the year and we are extremely grateful to Daniel and his family for backing our appeal. “Money raised from the event will enable families with a seriously ill child to make the most of the precious time they have together.”
The Great North Run takes place on Sunday, September 9.
To raise funds for Team Daniel and Rainbow Trust, visit http:// rainbowtrust.org.uk/gnr or contact the events team via events@ rainbowtrust.org.uk or 01372 220 031.
Rainbow Trust will provide each runner with a Team Daniel running vest. Runners will also enjoy a postrace reception and massage and will receive a thank you card designed by Daniel.