Mum-of-two taking on Great North Run to 'shout from the rooftops' about Bradley Lowery's Foundation's work and support

As thousands of runners descend on the region to take part in the Great North Run, one fundraiser has pledged to cross the finish line “no matter what” to honour a cause close to her heart.
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Mum-of-two Katy Grant will be heading to the start line of next week’s Great North Run with the Bradley Lowery Foundation in mind, as she takes on the half marathon to fundraise for the charity which helped her son.

Katy and her family, from Hartlepool, were contacted by the Bradley Lowery Foundation while they were in the midst of a fundraising campaign for son Alex, who needs life-changing surgery on his ear.

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Ten-year-old Alex was born with a condition called Microtia, meaning he is deaf on one side – but a surgery available overseas in America is known to provide excellent results for patients.

Katy, far right, in training for the Great North Run accompanied by son on his bike.Katy, far right, in training for the Great North Run accompanied by son on his bike.
Katy, far right, in training for the Great North Run accompanied by son on his bike.

But at a cost of £35,000 it meant Katy and her family had a mammoth task ahead of them, leading to the launch of fundraising campaign Ear for Alex.

Katy said: “In 2012 I decided to take the plunge and begin fundraising. I participated in the Marathon of the North in Sunderland and Ear for Alex was born.

“In the following five years with the help of friends, family, Facebook and the kindness of strangers we raised more than £14,000, but the progress was slow.

Youngster Alex Grant with mum Katy. Alex has received support from the Bradley Lowery Foundation.Youngster Alex Grant with mum Katy. Alex has received support from the Bradley Lowery Foundation.
Youngster Alex Grant with mum Katy. Alex has received support from the Bradley Lowery Foundation.
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“Then I received an email from the Bradley Lowery Foundation asking if I would like their help. I was totally overwhelmed.”

The Bradley Lowery Foundation was set up following the death of six-year-old Bradley Lowery, who had terminal neuroblastoma cancer, in July 2017.

She said: “In May this year, just in time for Alex’s 10th birthday, we hit our target. We 100% wouldn’t have achieved this without the Foundation’s help.

Alex Grant has received funding and support from the Bradley Lowery Foundation.Alex Grant has received funding and support from the Bradley Lowery Foundation.
Alex Grant has received funding and support from the Bradley Lowery Foundation.
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“This is why I’m running for them. If I can do anything to help, I absolutely will.”

The Great North Run is taking place on Sunday, September 8.

Katy hopes to raise £250 and you can visit her JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/katygrantgnr

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