Remembering Rob Lawty - week-long charity event in memory of Scarborough runner

Dad-of-two Rob Lawty from Snainton, was out exercising with Ryedale Runners club when he collapsed and died after suffering a heart attack.

Club leader Julia Webb was one of those running with the 55-year-old Scarborough TEC programme leader when he died last year.

“It was such a shock,” she said.

“One minute he was running next to me and the next, he wasn’t.”

She has organised Run4Rob – a week-long event taking place this week, inviting people to run, cycle and walk 10k in Rob’s memory and to raise funds for one of his favourite charities.

“Rob was a seasoned runner and cyclist, and all-round nice guy,” she said.

“He could often be found out exploring in the countryside with his family.

“He was a caring and loving husband, dad, grandad and son who would do anything for anyone.

“He had the great ability of lighting up a room with his cheeky grin and sense of humour.”

Julia has created a medal to commemorate the event and has had a huge amount of interest, with people from as far away as Norway pledging to take part. So far, more than £800 has been collected and all proceeds will go to Scarborough and Ryedale Mountain Rescue Team.

Rob was a keen supporter of the team, whose headquarters is in Snainton and, as well as paramedics, one of their rescue volunteers came to help when Rob collapsed.

Julia says some people are completing the 10k in one session, others over the space of a week, and some just making a donation.

For more information about how to take part or to donate, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/710876716490921.