Before taking part in the Hastings Half Marathon, Rye resident Katharine Manning wrote: “I’m proud to be running for Daniel Thomas who was at primary school with our two children, Ivy and Giles. Daniel is now nearly 16 and was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy at the age of four. It’s the most severe form of muscular dystrophy eventually affecting all voluntary muscles including the heart and breathing muscles. Daniel and his family are keen for him to live as independently as possible and he has attended mainstream secondary school using an electric wheelchair. The next thing he really needs is a ‘neater eater’ to help feed himself and hold things.”
Sponsorship contributions, however small, can be made online through Daniel’s GoFundMe page
As to what it felt like on the day, Katharine sent Rye News a poem penned by by her mother Elaine Luke, “written from her sick bed, unable to come and cheer me on because of flu” and entitled “Ode on Hastings Half Marathon, 18/3/18” and said “I couldn’t really have put it better:”
The 2018 run looks like the coldest one to date.
Nil desperandum, dearies – just step up to the plate.
Hypothermia may be looming, but don’t be deterred by that.
Pull on all your thermals and your warmest woolly hat.
The statue of King Harold may dismay as you pass by,
But it wasn’t running did for him, but an arrow in the eye.
Harley Shute may tax you – it’s a b…..d of a climb.
But after getting to the top you’ll have an easier time
Queensway is a long haul till The Ridge hoves into view.
At least there’ll be no traffic jam: hooray, a clear run through.
The Conquest may just tempt you to adjourn to A&E,
But mouldering there for hours? No, press on heroically.
Old London Road should cheer you as you glide down to the sea.
The level seafront beckons and a welcome cup of tea.
Go and get your medal – you deserve it – ooh and how!
And what a feeling of relief that you can go home now!!
Photo: Dominic Manning