Patriotic runners pound streets inspired by poignant losses

Catherine Hutchinson, 42, and Kay Burley, 41, both from Sheffield, wore eye-catching red, white and blue wigs and vests and carried a Union Flag in what was an emotional journey for them both.

Mrs Burley lost her mother, Rita Larder, to a brain tumour and Mrs Hutchinson was running in memory of her late brother, Mark Millard, a keen runner, who suddenly collapsed and died from a tumour in his heart.

“My mum was poorly with cancer at the time that Jane Tomlinson was and she always found that she was so encouraging for everybody else,” she said.

She said her mum would be looking down on the pair during the race.

“I think that she would be impressed with our outfits,” she joked.

Mrs Hutchinson said their patriotic outfits had been inspired by the Olympics and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

She said of the outfits: “If you cannot wear it this year, when can you?”

Mrs Hutchinson said she used to run with her brother.

“I did the London Marathon with him and he died about seven years ago from a tumour on his heart,” she said.

“I carried on running because I felt it brought him closer to me, I always think that he is with me.”

Mrs Hutchinson said that as the years had passed and she had started a family, she had not done quite as much running but she and Mrs Burley had decided to take part in more races to keep fit.

Yesterday was the first time the pair had taken part in Jane Tomlinson’s Run for All Leeds 10k.

“We have a few friends and family who have suffered with cancer, too many people unfortunately, and its a good fun day out,” Mrs Hutchinson said.