Grandad in bid to put a smile on Milly’s face

May 29 2008 by Jule Wilson, The Journal

ADOTING grandfather whose family has grown up since he last attempted the Bupa Great North Run has challenged himself once again, all to put a smile on the face of a three-year-old girl.

Stanley Jackson, 65, has run the half-marathon six times before, and has applied for one of The Journal’s 200 places in the event after missing his chance in the ballot earlier in the year.

Nova International, organisers of the road race, have reserved the final 200 slots in the race exclusively for our readers.

Mr Jackson, of Allen View, Catton, Allendale, Northumberland, explained why the chance means so much to him.

He said: “I have run in six previous Great North Runs and on two of these I kept the commemorative T-shirts for my grandchildren, Brett and Nina.”

But Mr Jackson now has another granddaughter. He said: “Milly is three and I would dearly like the chance to do the same for her.

“It’s a family event and my family has always supported me through the race in the past, and I feel giving my shirts to the grandkids is an important gesture.”

Mr Jackson is also chairman of Allendale Sports Club and is trying to raise funds for new changing facilities at the premises.

He said: “I would like to use this as an opportunity to boost our fundraising for the project. We have had this as a long-term project for more than 15 years and at last we have everything in place to begin the work.

“All we need now is to complete our fundraising and taking part in the Great North Run would give me the perfect opportunity to raise the cash.”