17 Sep FIVE COMPLETE 2023 AJ BELL GREAT NORTH RUN FOR THE FOUNDATION’S BREAKFAST CLUBS

On Sunday 10 September, five people completed the 2023 AJ Bell Great North Run to raise funds for the Huddersfield Town Foundation.

Dave Hamer, Liam Foxley, Jonathan Pearson, Joe Scargill, and Sam Valentine took to the North East along with around 60,000 others to tackle the 13.1-mile run to raise money for selected charities.

Assisted by the Geordie public and electric atmosphere, runners were treated to a flyover from the Red Arrows, as well as being able to follow in the footsteps of Sir Mo Farah, who ran his final professional race at the event.

Our runners were put through the motions to raise funds towards the delivery of the Foundation’s Breakfast Clubs, which has helped to feed over 2.2 million children since its inception in 2012.

Having helped 41 schools across Kirklees over the past 11 years, our Breakfast Clubs have provided kids with the necessary food and nutrients to fuel them for a day of learning, where previously they would have been going into a school day hungry.

Starting in Newcastle, going through Gateshead, and finishing in South Shields, the fantastic five were proud to complete the run for a very worthy cause.

Below are some words from our runners after completing the race, with a link where you can donate to their page!

Dave Hamer (02:23:40) – To donate to Dave’s page, CLICK HERE!

“I really wasn’t prepared for how emotional I would feel at the end. I am so pleased to have completed it, although nowhere near the time I wanted, but it was an amazing experience from meeting the guys before, the people cheering everyone on and giving out sweets and ice lollies, and that last stretch with the Red Arrows overhead was absolutely brilliant.

“I’ve always wanted to do something for the Foundation: I don’t ride a bike and I’m not the best at raising money as I hate asking people for money, but this was a perfect opportunity for me to do something and I’m really happy that I have.”

Liam Foxley (02:02:55) – To donate to Liam’s page, CLICK HERE!

“It was a fantastic feeling to complete the Great North Run, especially with the heat and conditions on the day. The atmosphere and support was incredible throughout and it helped immensely in getting to the finish line.

“I’m glad the challenge has been worth it, and the money raised will help provide the children of Kirklees with a better start to their day than they might have otherwise.

“I know times are tough economically at the moment so I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who donated; your generosity will help make all the difference!”

Jonathan Pearson (02:29:00) – To donate to Jonathan’s page, CLICK HERE!

“It felt amazing, I went into the event without any expectations in terms of race time but simply to just enjoy the event and that I did.

“To be a part of it again after a seven-year gap brought back some great memories of the last time I ran it and also the support shown by the local community up there was unreal!

“It’s amazing to think the impact that the money raised by the team will make for the local community in supporting the Foundation to continue the great work they do with local schools.

“Having seen first-hand how much it means to children to have the option to have a nutritious breakfast to start the day, it makes it all worthwhile.”

Joe Scargill (01:55:44) – To donate to Joe’s page, CLICK HERE!

“The atmosphere was incredible; I was taken aback by the support and generosity of the local residents.

“Personally, I achieved my sub-two-hour goal, and it was amazing to share that experience with my wife, who was cheering me down the home straight.

“It was lovely to see an array of club community organisations represented on the day, who all deliver fantastic projects within their communities.

“It’s no exaggeration to say that our breakfast clubs are a lifeline for some of the families we support. It was an honour to raise funds for such a worthy cause.”

Sam Valentine (02:15:51) – To donate to Sam’s page, CLICK HERE!

“I am thankful to have been a part of an awesome day and met so many wonderful people. A big thanks to the lad handing me an ice lolly – I think it handed me a second and third wind to finish!

“It was miserable and a blur on the way, but I left everything on the course!

“I was very happy to support the Huddersfield Town Foundation team once more and the good people of Kirklees.”

If you would like to get involved in next year’s event, or any other fundraising events to support the official charity of Huddersfield Town, please email fundraising@htafcfoundation.com to register your interest!