FOR Martyn Sergent, his wife Kate and daughter Rosie, running the Great North Run as a family was the realisation of a dream as they also managed to raise some £1,800 for Epilepsy Action.
“We decided to enter the Great North Run with one aim in mind,” said Kate. “This was to give our daughter, who has complex epilepsy, the experience of a big event with all the excitement that goes with it. We also wanted to raise money for Epilepsy Action.
“Rosie had only experienced her local Stratford Half Marathon and she endeavours to run, despite her health issues.
“Martyn acted as her personal coach, keeping her going all the way. I was going to run with them but Rosie made it clear, in no uncertain terms, that was not going to happen and as such I was sent off on my own to do battle with the heat and the crowds.
“It was a wonderful course with superb organisation, made all the more perfect by the crowd support and the Red Arrows.
“For some reason, we didn’t manage to see Sir Mo (Farah) but we were aware he was almost as inspirational as Rosie.”
Rosie was an absolute inspiration in managing to finish the race with Martyn in 3:18:25. Kate finished in 2:30:12.
