Hartlepool dad tackles Great North Run in friend's memory

Mick Stafford, 49, from Ruskin Grove, will take on the annual 13.1-mile route on September 11 to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The owner of computer shop Platinum Computers in Lister Street, Hartlepool, initially picked up his running again in an effort to lose weight, but when his friend Tony Short died just weeks ago, he decided to do the race in support of the charity which cared for him.

“One of my close friends died from cancer and one of my customers has just been diagnosed with terminal cancer,” the dad-of-four said.

“Initially I started training just to lose some weight and get back into shape, but then I thought it would be an idea to raise some money at the same time. My friend Tony was just in his fifties when he died.He was a security guard at Middelton Grange Shopping Centre in Hartlepool when he was diagnosed with terminal cancer a few months ago.

“I have got to raise £400 for the charity’s minimum amount and then hope to raise as much as possible.”

Mr Stafford has sponsor forms on the counter of his shop and so far has raised £80 towards the charity, which cares for people with cancer.

The former Burn Road Harrier, hopes his customers and residents will get behind his fundraising efforts.

He said: “I last did the run about 20 years ago, so it’s been a long time, but I love running and the run is a fantastic experience.”

To sponsor Mr Strafford, visit his shop or call: 01429 2235 22.