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Knife-crime families' GNR call
THREE families devastated by knife crime have launched an appeal for people to be part of their Great North Run fundraising team.
Mark Wood is hoping to rally support from across South Tyneside and further afield for this year's half-marathon.
For the past three years he has pounded the 13.1-mile route from Newcastle to South Shields in mem-ory of Glen Corner, who was stabbed to death in front of his friends in August 2006 on his 16th birthday.
And last year, the Whiteleas Taxis manager and Glen's dad Lee were joined by friends of Deka Kennedy, who was killed after stepping in to protect a woman being beaten by her partner in Frederick Street, South Shields, in January 2009.
Now, Sunderland mum Maureen Baker has added her voice to the rally call after her son, Christopher, also fell victim to knife crime.
The 18-year-old died from a single knife wound after being stabbed at a neighbour's home in Seaham on April 17.
The team of runners will not only be running in memory of the three victims, but also to raise cash for the Glen Corner Trust, set up to help other families left devastated by knife crime.
Mr Wood said: "I vowed that while ever I was able to, I would compete in the Great North Run as a way of not only keeping Glen's memory alive, but to also raise awareness of knife crime and the devastating impact it has on people's lives.
"It's nice to see the families that have been helped by the trust supporting us, but in a perfect world we wouldn't have families coming on board."
Deka's mum, Jean Kennedy, said: "As always, what is being done is all for a good cause to help not just our families, but also other families who find themselves in similar situations.
"We will never get over what has happened to us, and I would just ask that as many people as possible sponsor the team, no matter how small, as it all adds up at the end of the day."
Anyone who already has a place in the Great North Run and would like to join the team, or wants more information, should contact Mr Wood on 07988 691 753.
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Weather for South Shields
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Light sleet showers
Temperature: -1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 1 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: West
