Reservoir run to help save Samantha
RUNNERS have organised a race to help fund lifesaving treatment for a mum from Smithy Bridge.
Samantha Smith has Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS), which weakens the body’s connective tissues causing pain, dislocations and cardiac abnormalities. It means her spine is being crushed by her skull.
The mum-of-two, 31, returned from Washington in the USA at the end of last year after a massive campaign raised £150,000 to pay for life-saving surgery.
But the two operations, which were carried out by one of the world’s leading EDS specialists and aimed to stabilise the vertebrae in her neck, were only partially successful - and Samantha now fears she will almost certainly have to go under the knife again.
Andems Runners and Rochdale Harriers have organised the Samantha Smith Health Appeal Cowm 5K Race to help raise money for Samantha.
It will take place on Sunday, February 18 at 11.15am, setting off from the Cock and Magpie pub in Whitworth.
A spokesman for the organisers said: “Andems are pleased to be able to support Samantha Smith who needs urgent treatment for Ehlers Danlos Syndrome - this means her brain and spinal cord are being crushed under the weight of her skull.”
The 5K course incorporates two laps of Cowm Reservoir.
The entry fee is £4 for club runners and £6 for unaffiliated runners, with an extra £1 charge for entering on the day.
Cheques are payable to Andems Runners SW5K to Andy O’Sullivan MBE, 40 Crowshaw Drive, Rochdale, OL12 0SR. Contact 01706 750620 or info@ andemsrunners.co.uk for more information.
There will be prizes in all categories and something for every participant.