An eight-year-old girl is all set for the Great North Run Junior and Mini wheelchair race this weekend - thanks to a kind runner who has come forward to support her.
Penny Turner signed up to take part in the event in aid of The Chronicle Sunshine Fund for the fourth time. She has won the race in previous years and was looking forward to doing the same this year.
However, the event was postponed following the Queen's death. It was originally due to take place on September 10 but was later rescheduled to this Saturday, October 8.
Read More: Junior and Mini Great North Run 2022 entry, timings and route information
The change meant there were not enough volunteers available to help out on the rescheduled date and Penny, who has spina bifida and was gifted her first wheelchair by the Sunshine Fund, did not have anyone to support her during the race. Penny's mum Heather then put out an appeal for a volunteer on Facebook - and keen runner Michelle Embleton came forward.
Michelle, herself a supporter of the Sunshine Fund, has taken part in the Great North Run three times, raising thousands of pounds for the charity. Her son Charlie, 13, also raises money for the charity each year by taking part in the Mini and Junior Great North Run and is taking part again on Saturday.
And, both Penny and Michelle coincidentally happened to live in the same area - Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, in Northumberland.
Heather, Penny's mum, said: "I put a plea for help out and Michelle came forward. She was already a supporter of the Sunshine Fund and it turned out she lives in the same village as us.
"I'm ecstatic and over the moon that Michelle is doing this. Penny has been talking about the event non-stop. They have already had a practice run and Penny is really looking forward to it."
Michelle, 49, said: "I feel like this was meant to be. I already fundraise for the Sunshine Fund and I'm a keen runner. My son is taking part in the Junior GNR on Saturday. I was going to be there anyway but now I will be going early to help Penny.
"I would have gone even if Charlie was not taking part in the run. We are absolutely looking forward to it."
Siobhan Sargeant, Sunshine Fund charity director, said: "We are all in love with this story of how two of our most significant supporters, unknown to each other, have now come together and formed a friendship as they support our charity. That’s the power of The Chronicle Sunshine Fund - we know we create bonds and friendships amongst our families and supporters and that this leads to special moments like these.
"We know Penny has a fantastic chance of completing her hat-trick of three wheelchair race wins now that she has Michelle’s support, together they are a dream team and we will be there cheering them on from the Quayside. Good luck Team Sunshine."
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