Mummies bring some Sunshine to the Great North Run

MUMS’ KEEP FIT GROUP COLLECTS MONEY FOR OUR FUND

WHEN fitness fanatic Vicki Bradley became a mum of two within the space of a year, she struggled to find somewhere to exercise.

Unable to find a class where she could juggle toddler Caite and baby Patrick, she jumped in at the deep end and set up her own group.

Now KeepFitMammy is an essential for over 80 mums in the North East who need somewhere to take their little ones while getting a much-needed workout.

The group has expanded over the years and offers mums KeepFitMammy classes at their centre in Gosforth and personal training sessions with Vicki, 35.

They now even have a dedicated “babysitter” who plays and does crafts with the kids while their mums train.

On Sunday, eight mums tackled the Great North Run in aid of the Sunshine Fund who raise money to buy specialist equipment for local disabled children.

And the generosity of those at the event has astounded Vicki with an amazing £140 raised on the day and a total of £1,300 altogether.

“A few were injured and unable to run properly so three of us dressed as sunflowers and carried our buckets during the race,” Vicki said.

“I thought we’d get a load of pennies but the first donation was a £20 note.

“I did a marathon last year and it was actually harder doing the Great North Run in the costume and carrying the buckets.

“It was fab. I’ve done it a couple of times before and always ran for a time but this time it was a much better feeling running for the Sunshine Fund and knowing you’re doing some good for local children.”

When the KeepFitMammys started to take part in sports events, they fundraised for a number of different charities but have now decided to stick with the fund.

“We chose the Sunshine Fund because we wanted to benefit children because we’re all mums and we wanted it to be local,” Vicki added.

“It’s amazing to see the benefits of what we’ve done. It’s just lovely to see such a good cause.”

Vicki, who lives in Hazelrigg with Caite, now five and Patrick, now four, says that her classes are so important for the mums not only because of the exercise but because of the community spirit.

She said: “There’s been a study published by the University of Birmingham about the benefits of exercise after having a baby and how it can prevent postnatal depression.