Stories behind the York 10k run (From York Press)

Stories behind the York 10k run

They came in their thousands with one joint purpose – to raise cash for a wealth of good causes. From all walks of life, almost 4,000 people took part in the inaugural Jane Tomlinson York 10K on Sunday to run, walk or wheel around the scenic course past York’s historic landmarks. Reporter Jenny Bell talks to some of the participants about their stories.

Competitors make their way along Goodramgate

DESPITE battling a devastating disease and personal heartbreak, Eileen Rhodes kept a smile on her face throughout the six-mile course.

Inspirational grandmother Eileen, 85, has not only lost two husbands to cancer, but also faces her own battle against the incurable disease lymphedema – a condition that causes her legs to swell due to an abnormal collection of lymph fluid in her body tissues – and which means she often struggles to walk.

Eileen put her problems aside to take part in 10K and despite a fall during the course she made it to the finishing line and helped raise money for the St Leonard’s Hospice.

Her second husband Cliff, who suffered from leukaemia, spent his dying days at the York-based hospice.

A wheelchair contestant is on the road among a sea of runners

Eileen said: “I had a fall while going over Millennium Bridge and the ambulance crew were there in seconds.

“They told me they could transport me to the finish, but I said absolutely no way – I have to finish, and so I did.”

Eileen finished the course in two hours and 58 minutes – and crossed the finishing line to an emotional welcome.

“I was greeted with a big bunch of flowers at the end,” she said.

“I was so touched I cried.

Mike Tomlinson

“It was a wonderful way to finish off what I think was a fantastic event.

“The camaraderie of everyone of the day was wonderful and the crowds cheered me on right to the end.”

‘A huge success all round'

ORGANISER Mike Tomlinson said he wanted to say a big thank you to all those who helped out as pre-race volunteers, race marshall volunteers and end-of- race volunteers.

A runner waves to the crowd as he passes York Minster

“I don’t think I have ever seen so many volunteers for one race before,” he said. “We had between 450 and 500 – which is one marshall per ten runners.

“This was fantastic and made a real difference to the day.”

He added: “The event was a huge success all round and now we are just focusing our efforts on next year and making the event even bigger and better.

“We might slightly alter the course route so more people can take part, while we are conscious that we want to cause as little disruption to York residents as possible.

“If people do want to pre-register their interest for next year they can contact, log on to york2010@runforall.com, although the entries will not go on sale until January.”

A fantastic atmosphere for Andrew

“I THOUGHT if Jane could do it – then so could I.”

Andrew Bayston, who suffers from cerebral palsy, said Jane Tomlinson’s courage in the battle against her disease – spurred him on to take part in the race and raise money for the Jane’s Appeal – the charity set up in her memory.

The 26-year-old, of Tadcaster, said: “I have taken part in the Run For All Leeds 10K since it was launched.

“I thought Jane Tomlinson was such an amazing inspiration. I always thought if Jane could do it, then so could I.

“So when I heard there was going to be a Run For All 10K in York I knew I wanted to do it. It was exhausting, but a really good day.

“I took my time over it, like I always do, and finished in just over three hours. The atmosphere for the whole course was fantastic.”

Inspirational courage of fighter Jane

THIS fundraiser’s inspirational story draws striking resemblance to that of Jane Tomlinson herself.

Jane Butterworth was diagnosed with cancer of the colon ten years ago – tumours that have since spread to her liver, her lungs twice and her brain.

Despite her ill-health, the 45-year-old, who hails from York, took part in the race alongside her proud father Ray Theakston, of Haxby.

Ray said: “It went very well, we both thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. I mainly walked it – and finished in 83 minutes – whereas Jane walked with me then ran at the end, finishing in 73 minutes.

“She told me she had a brilliant day – when she crossed the finishing line she waved her hands and smiled. I think what really made it a wonderful day was the cheering crowds and the support they gave to all those taking part.

“I had my name on the back of my shirt, and during the last stretch people were shouting ‘Ray, Ray’, which was smashing.”