Runners race for Southport respite holiday charity

12th September 2018

Two local runners form team to take part in the UK’s largest half marathon on behalf of Southport respite holiday charity.

Natalie Savage and Eugene Smith from Southport completed the Simplyhealth Great North Run on Sunday 09 September on behalf of Revitalise Sandpipers, a local respite holiday charity that they work for supporting disabled people and carers.

Natalie is a Holiday Care Assistant and Excursion Driver at the centre, while Eugene is the centre’s chef. Natalie was due to be joined in the challenge by her husband Christopher who is also a member of staff at Sandpipers, but due to injury he was prevented from participating on the day. Revitalise would like to thank Christopher for all of his hard work in preparing for the challenge prior to his injury.

Speaking of his Simplyhealth Great North Run experience, Eugene commented:

“What an amazing experience today has been. To have completed the challenge alongside Natalie and the thousands of other runners who took part in the challenge for their chosen causes is truly indescribable. It was tough, but at the same time totally worth every minute knowing that together we’re helping even more of the guests that we support every day to enjoy respite holidays with us at Sandpipers.”

Adding to Eugene’s words, Natalie said:

“I agree with everything that Eugene has said. Supporting guests to enjoy respite holidays at Revitalise Sandpipers is so rewarding and I see first hand the importance and value of those breaks. That’s what motivated me to be here today. My husband Christopher trained so hard and it’s a shame that his injury has prevented him from taking part in the experience with us, but I know that he’ll be proud of what we’ve done today, as are we of him for all the hard work that he put into his training.

 

“I’m so happy knowing that I’ve made a difference to the guests that we support.”

 

People still wishing to support Natalie and Eugene in their challenges are welcome to make a donation by visiting their Just Giving pages.

Natalie: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/christopher-savage

Eugene: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/eugene-smith2

The Simplyhealth Great North Run is the biggest half marathon in the UK. Natalie and Eugene joined the thousands of runners taking on the 13.1 mile journey from Newcastle’s city centre to the coast in South Shields on Sunday.