On Sunday (12 February 2017) just shy of 100 people braved the terrible weather for the annual Running for Skye fun run event in Middleton Park.
The fun run began in 2015 on Valentine’s Day in support of youngster Skye Sutcliffe after she suffered a shock diagnosis 10 months earlier at the age of just 20 weeks old. After initial fears of meningitis the young tot was found to have acute lymphoblastic and myeloid leukaemia; two rare forms of blood cancer. Skye sadly passed away on 1 December 2015.
With dismal weather blighting this year’s event, it was with great joy to see that many runners, walkers and families were far from put off by the freezing rain. Participants were encouraged to don their favourite fancy dress, with this year’s warm-up led by none other than Darth Vader!
This year the event was supported by over 20 volunteers, including a team of course marshalls that were on hand to encourage participants and keep everyone safe. Many of the marshalls came from the local running club: The South Leeds Lakers.
Ian Pickles, event marshall and Laker, shared his thoughts:
“I was honoured to be asked to volunteer for the Skye Run this year, I had ran last year and enjoyed it. There was such a great turnout in poor weather from experienced runners to family groups in a beautiful location for a great cause, long may it continue!”
The Lakers made their presence felt on the finish line too with the top four finishers all flashing past in a blur of green, but the show wasn’t all theirs! Runners from the Mandela Runners, Leeds Frontrunners, Yorkshire Cricket Foundation and the Bramley Breezers joined together to make the event what it is: a display of togetherness from the South Leeds and citywide running community.
Joan Jeffrey, Mandela Runner commented:
“It felt great to make a contribution to an important cause.”
Karen Mills, Mandela Runner added:
“It’s a fun fabulous day to remember my great niece, bringing family and friends together, with a sense of achievement of supporting and raising money for Candlelighters!”
A total of £2,000 was raised through a combined effort of ticket sales and a generous raffle of over 60 prizes, all donated by stores from the White Rose shopping centre.
All money raised will be going straight to the charity Candlelighters who in 2016: ‘Worked with over 120 children in Yorkshire who were diagnosed with cancer, a diagnosis which turns family life upside down.’
Amelia Sockett, event organiser and ‘nana’ to Skye said:
“Our unique word is sssskkkyyeeemazzzinnngggg!!! And today showed the true definition, we are deeply touched and amazed at how many people turned out for our little Skye Pie.
“We would like to thank all volunteers and participants who turned out in the freezing cold and damp weather – in loving memory of Skye and to raise much needed funds for a fantastic charity!
“With Running for Skye now firmly established as a yearly event, Amelia is looking forward to building on this year’s fun run with some new additions for 2018.”
Of course it goes without saying, we are looking forward to a successful RUNNING FOR SKYE 2018 – I hope to find a company who can offer a large Marquee free, so we can all be a bit warmer and drier and definitely make it bigger and better. SEE YOU ALL THERE!
See you at Running for Skye 2018!
You can flick through all the event photos on Facebook here: http://runleeds.co.uk/r/running-for-skye-2017-photos/
This post was written by Ben Fraser and appeared first on the Run Leeds blog.
