Sunderland dad raises over £2,000 for a North East dementia charity by running 12 half marathons in 12 weeks

Grant Lawson from Ashbrooke ran his 12th half marathan in 12 weekends when he took part in the Sunderland Half Marathon last Sunday (June 20).

The 48-year-old ran with his friend John Ralph, who travelled up from Kent for the event – with the duo becoming the first two to run on behalf of the charity.

Grant completed the run in one hour and 53 minutes – his personal best, with John completing it in one hour and 23 minutes.

The business manager set up an online fundraiser, raising over £2,000 in the process for the charity, something that Grant says will mean so much to them.

He said: “It will be massive for them and I’m glad that I could be a part of the something that will help them out.

"I hope that it will act as a reminder to people that the charity exists in the city and they are doing incredible work in the toughest of times right now.

"It’s just unbelievable at the amount that we’ve managed to raise, plus all the money is going to a local centre and even if it helps just one person, then it is worth it.

Grant has also revealed that he intends to keep on running and has his eyes set on another challenge later this year.

He added: “I’m going to be having this weekend off but I’m going to look at trying to get involved with the Great North Run as something to work towards.

"Running throughout lockdown has been so good for my mental and physical health and if it means that I get to help out a local charity in the process, then it is win win.”

North East Dementia Care was set up by Sandra Falkner on the back of support from the Alzheimer's Society being cut from Sunderland in 2019 – she has revealed how much the money means for the charity.

She commented: “This is a big lift for us, not just the money raised but it lets people know that we are here.

"It will be great for our centre and all the money raised will be staying in Sunderland.”

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