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Race for Grace 2009 report + 31 PICTURES
From tiny babies to pensioners and even dogs, fund-raisers turned out in their hundreds to Race for Grace.
About 300 people took part in the Grace House Appeal's 5km fun run at Herrington Country Park.
The event will raise thousands of pounds to help build the Grace House children's hospice in Sunderland.
First over the finish line – in just 18 minutes two seconds – yesterday was 22-year-old Steven Duffy, who was closely followed by Biddick Sports College teacher Keith Staines.
Steven, of Fatfield, Washington, who is fresh from the Washington 5k and Great North Run, said: "It was a tough course but I feel good.
"I'm pleased with my time, but it's not my personal best."
Keith, 47, of South Shields, added: "I came third last year so I've bettered myself.
"I think between me and my wife we've raised about 100, which will add to the 18,000 Biddick Sports College has raised for Grace House in the last two years."
Three-week-old Harriet Hill was the youngest person to do the 5km (three miles) event.
Grandmother Karen Maclennan, who is Grace House's regional fund-raiser, said: "It is the beginning of a long line of fund-raisers.
"We believe in Grace House so much that we wanted Harriet to be part of it as soon as she was born."
She added: "It's great to have everybody back again for the sixth annual Race for Grace.
"We're hoping to have some exciting news and we just want to thank everyone for their support over the years."
Pensioner Joe Manson completed the course on his mobility scooter with his beloved dog Harry running by his side.
The 70-year-old, of Shiney Row, said: "I have got rheumatoid arthritis so I thought Harry could do the running for me.
"We come up here regularly - it's such a lovely park - and it's so nice to do something for charity."
Carrie Baker and four-year-old daughter Rosie dressed up as pink fairies for their family day out, while husband Scott and son Sam, two, donned their football kits.
Carrie, 26, of Seaham, said: "Scott's the runner - he's just done the Great North Run - but it was mainly a chance to do something as a family.
"We wanted to get dressed up because it's for charity."
Ten-year-old Hardy Errington completed the course in his wheelchair, with mum Bernadine, sister Harriane, and his friends by his side.
Bernadine, of Easington Lane, said: "Hardy goes to the same school as Grace and he's in the same class, so we wanted to do something."
The Grace House Appeal is named after 10-year-old Grace Jones, from High Barnes, a pupil at Sunningdale School in Sunderland.
Dave Cook, who risked piranhas and venomous snakes as part of the Jungle Marathon last year – just months after completing the punishing Marathon Des Sables in the Sahara - also took on the Race For Grace.
The 40-year-old of Roker, who took part with wife Lorraine and children Matthew, 11, James, 10, William, 10 and Daniel, four, said: "I won't be doing any records. This is a family outing - just a little bit of fun.
"My boys have done all the fund-raising, going up and down all the streets."
Jeff Coxon was determined to take part in the Race For Grace, despite having lost his leg in 2006 as a direct result of smoking.
The 65-year-old of Seaham, who was given the 007 number to mark his love for James Bond, said: "I've raised about 1,299, which with gift aid should come up to 1,400." Unfortunately Grace Jones was unable to attend the race for the first time, as she is recovering from an operation. She is said to be doing well.
Broadcaster Kathy Secker, who founded the appeal, said: "It's a wonderful event and it's marvellous to see the same people who do it every year.
"We cannot thank them all enough."
It is hoped this year's event with exceed the race's fund-raising total last year of 18,000.
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Weather for Sunderland
Saturday 04 February 2012
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