A DOTING uncle will take on a 13-mile run in aid of an emergency service which saved his nephew’s life.
Shaun Rowley says he will forever in debt to the Great North Air Ambulance, after they saved the life of Matthew Colwill.
Matthew, 20, who is a keen motorcross competitor, was left with serious head injuries after suffering a fall on a training day last October.
Shaun, who is from Seaham but now lives in Easington Colliery, has signed up for this year’s Half Marathon of the North in Sunderland to raise cash for the air ambulance, which transported Matthew to James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough for treatment.
“They saved Matthew’s life and I was quite touched by what the Air Ambulance had done for him,” said Shaun, 41, who is married to Pauline.
“So when I saw about the race I decided to sign up and raise money for them.”
After going into a coma follow the horror accident, Matthew is now making good progress at his Easington home.
“He’s made an excellent recovery,” added Shaun, who decided to get himself in shape more than a year ago.
Despite never running in an organised race, Shaun admits there is “no backing out now” after he started to gather in sponsorship forms.
“I’ve lost three stone and quit smoking as well.
“To be honest, I was a heart attack waiting to happen.
“First, I hired a treadmill and then I found out a couple of lads from work go out running, so I started going with them.
“I feel better all-round now.
“I’m looking to do the run in two-and-a-quarter hours, which I think is realistic for someone of my age.
“I’ve never really done any races before but I’m being sponsored by a few people already so there’s no backing out.”
To sponsor Shaun, call him on 07725 687 762.
Twitter: @davidallison88
ORGANISERS of this year’s festival of running in Sunderland have announced junior events for young runners.
Junior Miles of the North is a series of one mile junior age group races, for nine to 15-year-olds, which will be held on Saturday, April 27.
Entry is £6 per child.
All races take place in Mowbray Park, in Sunderland city centre, prior to the Events of the North pasta party, the day before the Marathon of the North, Half Marathon of the North and Sunderland City 10k events on April 28.
To enter any of the events go to www.marathonofthenorth.co.uk.
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