Extra mile means so much

Mar 17 2008 by Jule Wilson, The Journal

THOUSANDS of people braved the cold and wind yesterday to don their trainers and run a mile for charity.

The Gateshead Mile for Sport Relief, sponsored by Sainsbury’s, at Saltwell Park attracted more than 3,500 participants.

The flagship event was one of 23 races up and down the country, raising funds which sister charity Comic Relief will spend helping vulnerable people in the UK and across the world’s poorest countries.

In addition to the main races, there were around 200 other miles taking place throughout the day, although a number were cancelled due to bad weather.

In attendance at Gateshead was legendary triple jumper Jonathan Edwards, who was both taking part in the event and covering it for BBC TV.

He said: “It’s great to be here. It’s the first time I’ve been down at any of the regional flagship miles and I’m amazed at how much effort has gone into today.

“The best thing is seeing how many families have come to take part together, whether in the one, three, or six mile route, and it’s wonderful that the whole sporting world has come together to raise money for people less fortunate than the rest of us.

“It’s a great privilege to be part of it.”

Brian Cross, 41, of Gateshead Quayside, enjoyed the welcoming reception, adding: “I came down by myself and I’ve really been made to feel like I’m part of the team.

“I have just finished the three mile race which was good fun. I have really enjoyed the whole experience.”

Student Richard Mealing, 20, of Brandon Grove, Sandyford, Newcastle, said he had never run in any events of this type before.

“I decided to take part because I was very unfit and I’ve lost about three stone in recent months, so thought this would be a good test of my fitness. I feel great and it’s nice to see so many people enjoying themselves all in one place.”

Waiting to take part in the main Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile, Philippa Aitchison, 38, of Low Fell, Gateshead, was warming up with her two children Andrew, eight, and five-year-old Jennifer.

She said: “I think initiatives like this are brilliant because the children love to be involved and feel like they’re also doing something to help others.

“It’s also a fun day out and really well organised.”

Entertainment was provided by a number of local bands including Drumdin, one of the North East’s oldest Samba bands, from the Buddle Arts Centre, Wallsend.

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£20m so far..

The Sport Relief Weekend kicked off on Friday night with a four-hour telethon on BBC One.

Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer arrived at the studio during the programme with Match of the Day 2 presenter Adrian Chiles, following a 335-mile cycle ride from Newcastle.

So far, almost £20m has been raised from donations and charity events up and down the country, with £5m alone donated by an anonymous caller during Friday night’s show.

Hosted by Richard Hammond, Gary Lineker, Davina McCall, Patrick Kielty and Claudia Winkleman, the evening’s entertainment included Sport Relief does Strictly Come Dancing and Sport Relief does The Apprentice, as well as celebrity boxing matches, a Top Gear special and a Friday Night with Jonathan Ross.