Boyfriend inspires student's charity run (From The Advertiser Series)

Boyfriend inspires student's charity run

4:56pm Tuesday 18th September 2012 in News By Duncan Leatherdale

A STUDENT has raised more than £650 by completing the Great North Run in memory of her boyfriend.

Elizabeth Larcombe, from Sedgefield , completed the Bupa-sponsored event on Sunday for Make-A-Wish Foundation UK, the charity that tries to fulfil the dreams of children and young people who are battling life-threatening and terminal conditions.

The 20-year-old, who completed the 13.1-mile run between Newcastle and South Shields in one hour and 51 minutes, chose to run after her boyfriend died four months ago from heart failure.

Oliver Marshall Clark died on May 1, aged 19, having been diagnosed with Emery-Dreifuss Muscular Dystrophy in 2009.

Ms Larcombe said: “He lived life with a ‘carpe diem’ spirit and, as such, the Make- A-Wish Foundation became very close to my heart.

“While Ollie is no longer with us, what can provide comfort is the knowledge that he lived life exactly how he intended, and most importantly that he was happy.

“As Make-A-Wish grants magical wishes to children and young people fighting lifethreatening conditions, it too supports the notion of living life to its entirety and enjoying the moments.

“Make-A-Wish is a fantastic cause because it gives young people something important to focus on.”

Emery-Dreifuss Muscular Dystrophy is a condition that restricts muscle movements, including the heart.

Ms Larcombe was one of nearly 40,000 runners to complete the 32nd Great North Run and has so far raised £655 through her Just Giving website.

Karen England, director of fundraising at Make-A-Wish, said: “We are extremely grateful to Elizabeth for running the Great North Run on behalf of Make-A-Wish. We have just granted our 8,000th wish – a milestone we wouldn’t have been able to reach without the help of dedicated supporters like Elizabeth.”

There are currently 20,000 children and young people in the UK fighting a life-threatening condition and, this year alone, 1,400 children will turn to Make-A-Wish to have their wish granted. The charity needs to raise £6.8m this year and receives no Government funding or lottery grants.

To donate towards Elizabeth’s efforts, visit just giving.com/mrskinnylegs.