Thetford: Teacher raises £1,500 in half-marathon run

A teacher has raised £1,500 for the brain injury charity that supported his mother over many years.

Craig Skipp, 28, who teaches at Thetford Academy, completed a half-marathon in memory of his mother Julie on December 15 – the first anniversary of her death – in aid of Headway West Suffolk.

He took 1hr 25min to complete the 13-mile journey along the A134 from her home in Ford Place, Thetford, to Headway’s base in Northgate Street Business Park in Bury St Edmunds.

He chose to support Headway in her memory as she had spent almost 10 years there after sustaining her brain injury following an accident at home.

Following his run, Mr Skipp wanted to thank everyone at Headway for the support they had given his mother, those who had sponsored him and his friends and family at the finish line. But the biggest thank-you went to his wife and children for their support over what had been a difficult year.

“It’s a great feeling to know that I have completed the run in honour of mum, ensuring she will always be in our memories. To be able to do something like this for such a worthy cause is something I am very proud of.”

Dave Taylor, manager of Headway West Suffolk, said: “Members and staff remember Julie with great affection and her mischievous sense of humour. She regularly came to us three times a week from Thetford to Bury. The money will help fund a third of our pottery activity, which takes place twice a week and helps up to 16 people every week. Julie had pottery at heart and loved the sessions, so we feel this is a fitting way to use what has been raised.”

To find out more about Headway West Suffolk call 01284 702535.