South Shields girl hits the road to support charity

A teenager who was inspired by her dad's battle with a debilitating long-term condition is to take on her first Junior Great North Run.
Millie Taylor, of South Shields, is running the Junior Great North Run for Chrons and Colitis charity. Picture: TOM BANKSMillie Taylor, of South Shields, is running the Junior Great North Run for Chrons and Colitis charity. Picture: TOM BANKS
Millie Taylor, of South Shields, is running the Junior Great North Run for Chrons and Colitis charity. Picture: TOM BANKS

Millie Taylor has always wanted to take part in the event which takes young runners on a course from Newcastle across the river to Gateshead and back again.

This year, the teenager took the brave step to sign up to the run gaining one of the many places and after contacting a charity providing support and information to those diagnosed with Chrons and Colitis, she set about raising funds on their behalf.

Millie Taylor with her Dad DavidMillie Taylor with her Dad David
Millie Taylor with her Dad David
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The 14-year-old, of Beaconside, South Shields, who attends St Wilfrid’s RC College, said: “I enjoy running and it’s always something I wanted to do.

“When I signed up and got a place I decided I wanted to raise money for charity.

“My dad has Colitis and I see how he struggles with it at times that I wanted to do something for a charity which helps people with the condition.

“I phoned them up and told them what I was doing and asked if I could run for them and they said yes.

Millie Taylor with her Dad DavidMillie Taylor with her Dad David
Millie Taylor with her Dad David
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“I don’t really like running short distances. I like running long distances so I’m looking forward to it.

“Hopefully in the future with more fundraising and awareness cures will be found.”

Millie’s dad David, 48, was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2001 after returning from a family holiday to Greece.

The condition can create a range of symptoms with a varity of severity. For some the condtion has a significant impact on their daily lives while others can go weeks and months without a flare up.

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Her mum Leeanne said: “As a junior runner she didn’t have to raise funds for anyone if she did’t want to.

“But when got her place, she took it upon herself to contact the Chrons and Colitis charity to ask if she could run for them.

“She has set up a just-giving plage and has held a bake sale at her school to raise funds for the charity.

“We’re just both really proud of her and what she is doing, at her age to show such empathy towards others is amazing.

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“Her dad has been really strong through all of this and never complains adn Millie has been there for him every step of the way.”

The Junior Great North Run will take place on Saturday ahead of the main Great North Run event on Sunday.

To sponsor Millie visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/millie-taylor3