The Darlington and Stockton Times | News, Sport, Business, North Yorkshire, County Durham

Mums on the run to give hospice a helping hand

From the archive, first published Friday 19th Jan 2007.

A MOTHER and daughter are preparing to take part in a charity challenge for a cause close to their hearts.It will be a memorable Mother's Day for Kelly Alderson and her mum, Debbie Finnegan, from Teesside, when they compete for the first time in the 25th Tees Valley Half Marathon.The pair, along with cousin Rachel Lively, have never completed the 13 miles, but are determined to cross the finishing line at Redcar Leisure Centre for baby hospice, Zoe's Place.Ms Alderson has a two-year-old son, Owen, who suffers from cerebral palsy and is a regular visitor to the Normanby hospice. She has now become a dedicated fundraiser.The 27-year-old said: "Whether I'm jogging or walking, I'll finish. I'll do anything I can to help and I'm really hammering people to give me sponsorship."Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has linked the half marathon to Zoe's Place for the past two years.In that time, 30 runners have handed over £4,666 in sponsorship - enough to fund four-and-a-half days care for four children.Hospice events co-ordinator Rachael Bareham said: "The support we've had from the half marathon has been brilliant."For details about the event, on March 18, or an entry form, call 01642-496425 or 496426. Applications can also be downloaded from the website www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk

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