On the run for Andrew (From York Press)
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Mel Clark to compete in Great North Run in memory of stepson Andrew Trodden
8:31am Friday 7th September 2012 in News
By Mike Laycock, Chief reporter
Mel Clark and Andrew Trodden, right
HIS stepson tragically died as the result of an epileptic seizure earlier this year – now Mel Clark is preparing to run a half marathon to raise money for the charity Epilepsy Action.
Mel, 56, of Appleton Roebuck, near York, will compete in the Bupa Great North Run through Tyneside on September 16 in memory of his wife’s son Andrew Trodden, who died aged 29.
He said Andrew, a former York St John University student who lived more recently in London and then Dublin, had been a “very positive, outgoing, warm and talkative person”.
He said: “Bex, his wife, has set up the Andrew Trodden Sunflower Fund for Epilepsy Action in his memory.
“I hope I can raise as much as possible for the fund to help support other people affected by epilepsy.
“I’m looking forward to running along for a good cause with so many others and I can’t wait to see the finish line.”
Mel has already raised £1,100 towards his target of bringing in £2,000 for Epilepsy Action.
A former employer, Barclays Bank, will match the money he raises pound for pound, up to £750, as part of the Barclays Community Investment Charity Begins at Work Programme.
The money raised will help to support Epilepsy Action’s work all over the UK.
The charity provides advice and support to the 600,000 people with epilepsy and campaigns to improve epilepsy services and raise awareness of the condition.
It also provides a national network of support groups, funds a specialist nurse scheme, holds regular regional conferences and has a freephone and email helpline The Bupa Great North Run is the world’s most popular half-marathon with more than 54,000 runners taking part each year.
More than 750 runners have taken part on behalf of Epilepsy Action since 2005.
To sponsor Mel, visit justgiving.com/Mel-Clark0
For more information about epilepsy or taking part in fundraising events for Epilepsy Action, visit epilepsy.org.uk/eventsory
