Friends prepare for emotional welcome as they run in memory of Whitby legend
Three friends will receive an emotional welcome in Whitby this weekend after running 170-miles along the North East coast to help raise awareness of a cause close to all their hearts.
On 24 August, Harry Schofield, Nick Shallow and Craig Newlands will run from Stockton on Tees to the iconic Whitby Whale Bones on the third and final leg of the 170-mile run. The challenge has been organised in memory of Harry’s close family friend and Whitby legend, John Hunter who died from MND in 2023. The money raised will help the MND Association to improve support for people living with MND and their families.
Sunday’s 33-mile run will take the trio from Stockton to Redcar, through Staithes and Sandsend before the team arrive in Whitby later that day.
Harry said: “I would describe John as the ultimate runner. A friend to so many people and a constant in my life – a man who was a real inspiration. To see how MND affected him was heartbreaking to all of us and this is my way of helping to raise awareness of this truly devastating disease. There are no treatments or a cure, so when someone is told they have MND there is nothing anyone can do. It’s really important to me to do everything I can to change that.
“The response we’ve had to the challenge so far has been incredible with people making donations and saying they want to join us for days two and three which will be incredible.
“The first day of the challenge has been arranged to coincide with what would have been John’s birthday so my thoughts will be very much with him on the day.”
You can learn more about the challenge and donate by visiting www.justgiving.com/page/thewhalebonesrun
For more information about the MND Association visit www.mndassociation.org