Dave Batten Support Fund

On Sunday 13th September 2013, I will competing in the BUPA Great North Run for the first and last time. I am very much looking forward to the event but also realise that that I am helping out a very worthwhile cause at the same time. Back in 2011, an old school friend of mine, Dave Batten had an extreme reaction to a wasp sting which has left him paralysed and requiring continuous care.

I hope that I can raise a significant sum of money for the fund set up for Dave's ongoing care and would ask that you give generously to this very worthwhile cause.

Thanks for your support.

About the Great North Run

The Bupa Great North Run is the premier event in the Great Run series and firmly established as Britain’s biggest participation event.
From just 12,000 runners at the very first staging in 1981, the event has now grown to a record 55,000 accepted entrants from over 100,000 applicants in 2012.
Starting in Newcastle, the course takes in the iconic Tyne Bridge, goes through Gateshead passing the famous international athletics stadium and finishes in the coastal town of South Shields.  Live music, on course refreshment and thousands of cheering supporters will keep you motivated every step of the way.
Many world class athletes have taken on the challenge including local international and winner of the very first race, Mike McLeod as well as some of the most famous names in distance running; Paula Radcliffe and Haile Gebrselassie – a new course record was set in 2011 when Kenyan Martin Mathathi stormed to victory in Just 59 minutes and 27 seconds.  
The Bupa Great North Run is not only part of the cultural fabric of the North East, but has touched lives across the UK and around the world - last year’s event saw runners from over 40 different countries taking part.
Many choose to run to raise money for causes close to their hearts and in the last 30 years the event has helped runners raise millions of pounds for charities and worthy ventures.
Whether you choose to run to raise money, complete a personal challenge or as part of the journey towards a healthier lifestyle, the Bupa Great North Run is the ultimate mass participation running experience!