Local couple run multiple marathons for Zoe’s!
Recently you may have seen that we highlighted David Blakey and his partner Melissa Hunter, who together took part in this year’s Paris Half Marathon for our charity.
The pair have been raising money for us for a long time now, having competed in the Great North Run – both this year and in the past.
David will also run this year’s Manchester Marathon on 14th April, while Melissa will take part in the London Marathon. David also ran a full marathon with friends through Middlesbrough recently too – so were absolutely in awe of their continued fundraising efforts.
Melissa said: “We love the adrenaline rush of competing in these races, and to do it for Zoe’s Place is something were really passionate about.”
“When my daughter was around 6 years old, I asked her to pick a charity we could run for as I was taking part in the London Marathon that year (2011). She’s called Zoe, so it was a perfect fit for her. She’s 19 now so it just goes to show how long we’ve had an affiliation with Zoe’s Place.”
“It’s somewhere that’s close to our hearts. The care they give to local children and families is amazing.”
Melissa also feels it’s important to give back to local charities, given the fact that a lot of the attention is on the bigger, more national third sector organisations.
“The eye is always on the big guys, so it’s nice to be able to give back to a charity in our area. When David and I were in Paris, the sights really were amazing. To be at places like the Champs-Elysees was an incredible experience.”
“All the while though, we knew exactly why we were there and what it means to fundraise for Zoe’s Place. I had a tour of the hospice on my return too, so that was special.”
Currently, their target is £3,000 – and they are almost there, but they would love to be able to surpass that with your help.
If you would like to help them, just click below to donate an amount via Just Giving.
