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Running to make wishes come true

Sam Kirby
15/ 5/2008

A RADCLIFFE couple are competing in this weekend’s Great Manchester Run in a bid to give something back to the charity that has helped their family.

David and Nichola Holdroyd are hoping to raise hundreds of pounds for When You Wish Upon A Star, by way of thanks for the support the charity has offered their two daughters over the years.

When You Wish Upon a Star is a small charity whose primary aim is to grant ‘wishes’ for sick children around the UK, arranging for the youngsters to meet lifelong heroes or fullfilling ambitions.

The Holdroyd’s daughters Lauren, eight, and one-year-old Francesca have Crouzon syndrome, a condition which caused the bones in their face and skull to fuse together before birth, and both have had surgery to correct the condition and prevent future complications.

The charity has helped the family in the past by arranging holidays and providing gifts.

Nichola, said: "The charity have done a lot for our daughters and are very helpful.

"They’ve organised holidays and given them Christmas gifts so we decided it was time to give something back."

Both Nichola, 31, and David, 34, are first-time runners and have been on a strict training regime in preparation for the 10k race.

The pair have been hitting the treadmill at Radcliffe Pool and Fitness Centre to get into shape.

Nichola said: "I have never done anything like this before so I’m a bit nervous, but we’re looking forward to it.

"We’ve been going to the gym a lot and the trainer has put together a programme to help us and it’s been pretty hard work."

So far, the couple have raised £200 but are hoping to add to that before the May 18 run.

The money raised will help the charity to grant more ‘wishes’ for sick children.

Anyone wishing to sponsor the couple can do so at: www.justgiving.com/nicholadavidholdroyd