Skegness Coasters Rebecca and Elly run for Harrison

Two friends who are members of Skegness Coasters running club have gone the extra mile to raise money for a baby boy with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1.
By The Newsroom
Published 11th Jul 2016, 17:21 BST
Updated 11th Jul 2016, 18:22 BST
Julie Hawkesford, Elly Rutherford, Rebecca Porter, Claire Parker all of Skegness CoastersJulie Hawkesford, Elly Rutherford, Rebecca Porter, Claire Parker all of Skegness Coasters
Julie Hawkesford, Elly Rutherford, Rebecca Porter, Claire Parker all of Skegness Coasters

Rebecca Porter and Elly Rutherford completed a 10-mile running challenge in aid of Harrison Thompson from Wainfleet All Saints.

The pair met while taking part in the C25K programme (couch to 5k in nine weeks) with the Coasters, and decided to raise money to helpHarrison and his family.

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Having previously only run up to 10k – just over six miles – the distance of 10 miles was set as a challenge to both runners.

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Friends have been raising money to help baby Harrison, who has Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1. ANL-160407-102536001Friends have been raising money to help baby Harrison, who has Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1. ANL-160407-102536001
Friends have been raising money to help baby Harrison, who has Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1. ANL-160407-102536001

Elly said: “We have been training hard and were really looking forward to the event, and hopefully raising as much money as we could for Harrison.”

After months of preparation and planning, Rebecca and Elly donned their running shoes and, Sunday before last, set off from Chapel Point, running along the seafront promenade until finally finishing at the Welcome Inn.

At various points on the route, friends, family and members of the public gave messages of good luck and support to the runners, which was greatly appreciated.

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Julie Hawkesford, leader of the Skegness Coasters C25K group, and Claire Parker, a fellow C25K graduate and supporter, accompanied Rebecca and Elly on their challenge.

Friends have been raising money to help baby Harrison, who has Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1. ANL-160407-102536001Friends have been raising money to help baby Harrison, who has Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1. ANL-160407-102536001
Friends have been raising money to help baby Harrison, who has Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1. ANL-160407-102536001

Rebecca said: “We are incredibly grateful for the support we received from Julie and Claire. I personally would not have reached the end in such good spirits without their encouragement and banter. They are two marvellous friends.”

After two hours and 25 minutes, Rebecca and Elly were greeted at the finish line by friends, family and supporters.

They commented: “Everybody has been so generous with their time and sponsorship. We really appreciate it.”

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Harrison, his mum, brother and aunty attended the race and were able to congratulate the exhausted ladies at the finish line.

Harrison’s mum Jodie said: “They did amazingly well. We are very proud of their efforts for Harrison.”

The pair have raised over £450. To make a donation go to their justgiving page at https://crowdfunding.justgiv ing.com/rebecca-elly