:: Click here to make your nomination for the Bupa Great North Run Award
A MOTHER who raised money to help injured soldiers after her son was shot in Afghanistan has been nominated for the Bupa Great North Run Award.
Today we launch our annual search to find the unsung heroes that help to make the much-loved half marathon so special.
And the first nominee is mother-of-three Janet Gatland, who ran last year to raise money for Help for Heroes, the charity that supported her Scots Guardsman son Martyn after he was gunned down by Taliban snipers.
The soldier became a target in February 2010 when his battalion uncovered an insurgent bomb-making factory during Operation Moshtarak – a major assault on insurgent strongholds.
Martyn, who at 6ft 8in is the tallest of the Scots Guard, was hit in the foot. His lower leg was amputated in December and he is currently undergoing treatment at Hedley Court, the Armed Forces’ dedicated rehabilitation centre.
Janet, 47, of Bearpark, County Durham, said: “I feel duty-bound to support Help for Heroes as Martyn is now in Hedley Court and can access all sorts of services through them to help build his self-esteem.
“He’s currently learning to walk again and last week managed for the first time without a stick. He said he wants to do the Great North Run and beat my time.
“The run last year was an excellent way to support Help for Heroes and I’m very happy to have been nominated for this award.”
Martyn’s injury brought back memories of Janet’s own problems as, in a bizarre twist of fate, doctors thought they might have to amputate her leg after she suffered severe injuries when a skydive went wrong seven years ago. But, after making a full recovery, Janet is this year once again hoping to take part in the Great North Run in honour of her son and his comrades.
The Bupa Great North Run Award, in association with The Journal, will be presented at the Great North Run Hall of Fame Charity Dinner next month.
Last year’s winner was mother-of-three Jackie Jones, who impressed judges with her determination to give something back by training as a nurse after her husband Mark suffered a brain haemorrhage.
Jackie, from Chapel Park, Newcastle, was the fourth person to win the Journal award since the Hall of Fame was launched in 2007. Her accolade came on the night when three-times Great North Run winner Liz McColgan was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
:: Click here to nominate a runner you think should be recognised or email Kim.Carmichael@ncjmedia.co.uk with your suggestion or write to Great North Run Award, The Journal newsdesk, Groat Market, NE1 1ED.
Entries close on March 31 and the winner will be announced at the Great North Run Hall of Fame Charity Dinner on April 5.