Dewsbury and Mirfield runners tot up marathon funds

A special teachers’ mini-marathon was held at Westmoor Junior in Dewsbury Moor to back-up the efforts of Emma Murphy, who took part in the 26-mile London race.

And so the children wouldn’t be left out, fun activities were laid on at the school.

Teacher Dale Longley said: “Emma ran the Marathon to raise money for Barnardo’s so we thought it would be a good idea if we put on our own event.”

Pupils took home sponsor forms to also support the charity and a course was created around the school grounds.

Elsewhere, runners from Dewsbury and Mirfield have been totting up their sponsorship.

Natalie Crain, a member of the Dewsbury Collegians, finished the race in five hours and 56 minutes and raised nearly £2,000 for Kirkwood Hospice.

Mirfield man Jason Edwards, who ran for mental health charity Mind, clocked up a time of four hours and 19 minutes and raised more than £1,500.

Meanwhile, David Brook enjoyed the experience so much that he has already signed up for next year’s race.

He raised almost £2,000 for the National Autistic Society and Dewsbury and District Autism Support after finishing in three hours and 31 minutes.

And crossing the finish line held particular significance for Rachael Shaw and Clara Moore, who ran the race in memory of Rachael’s daughter Eden.

The duo, who have also signed up for the 2012 race, completed the run in four hours and 35 minutes, collecting nearly £4,000 for Children with Leukaemia.