Thousands take part in Durham Race for Life
Jul 6 2009 by Katy Simpson, The Journal
Friends Rachel Adams, 18, Lindsay Ballantine, 18, and Lorna Scott, 17, of Bellingham, Northumberland, took part in the Race for Life in memory of former classmate Zoe Arnup, who died at the age of just 17 after fighting bone cancer for two years.
Zoe, who studied at Haydon Bridge Community High School in Northumberland, died on Christmas Eve last year.
Lorna said: “She fought it off once and then it came back. The hardest thing was when we were doing our GCSEs because she couldn’t do them, and they just sent off her predicted grades.”
First over the finish line was Elizabeth Oates, 29, of Crook, County Durham, who was cheered on by partner Jason and his children Alfie, four, and Charlie, seven.
As she received her medal, she said: “I was hoping to be in the top 10 so I’m really pleased. It was a fantastic atmosphere.”
But many of the women who took part were just there to have fun, and walked the route while chatting to other entrants about their experiences.
Dressed in cowboy hats and enjoying the sunshine were Michelle Penfold, 42, and Sue Lewis, 45, both from Gosforth, Newcastle. The friends, who work together at Royal Mail, were both running in memory of their mothers and in support of colleague John Wilson, 39, who has been fighting leukaemia for the past three months.
Sue said: “My mum died 13 years ago today, so it’s particularly emotional for me because it’s the anniversary.”
Michelle, who was just a teenager when her mother died at the age of 39, said: “It was a complete shock to everyone when John was diagnosed because he was always so fit and healthy, and he was the life and soul of the party.”
Holly Howey, who is Race for Life manager for Durham, thanked everyone who took part for their support, and all the volunteers for their help organising the event.
She said: “The Durham event is always a brilliant experience, with local women coming together to make a positive difference to the lives of people touched by cancer.”
