Frances Barratt runs the Great North Run

13 September 2016

The Great North Run is the world’s biggest half marathon which takes place annually in North East England each September.

Participants run between Newcastle upon Tyne and South Shields for a gruelling 13.1 miles. In this years event there were more than 41,000 runners from 178 nations taking part.

And one of those many runners was Frances Barratt – Senior Customer Services Advisor at SFL – with her two sons William and Daniel.

Having only taken up running a couple of years ago, this will be the furthest distance Frances has ever run. “My finish time was 2hrs 28mins, which I think would have been quicker if it wasn’t for the heat!” says Frances on her achievement. “I started feeling a bit light headed from the heat at mile 10 so walked until mile 11, took on some Lucozade and perked up again.”

Her youngest son Daniel finished in 1hr 38mins – just 38 minutes behind winner Mo Farah – but fainted as soon as he crossed the line. “He was brought round by someone pouring a bottle of water over him and heard the summoning of a doctor!” says Frances. “Thankfully he’s all fine now though.”

Despite previously suffering with his shin splints and elbow fracture – and undergoing no training – her eldest son William finished in an commendable time of 1hr 52mins.

Emotions were sky high when they were all reunited at the finish line, as the family were running not just for the physical challenge, but to raise awareness and much needed funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association – a charity very close to their hearts as Frances’s brother and the boys uncle, Leslie, sadly lost his battle.

So what did Frances make of The Great North Run? “It was very hot, but the atmosphere and support along the route was absolutely amazing! I now have very sore feet and aching joints – I think tomorrow will be a lazy day of sitting in the sunshine with my feet up just doing crochet!”

The Barratt family are so close to their target of £1500, and donations are still coming in from far and wide. If you would like to assist in the fundraising for this worthy cause, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/Frances-Barratt1.

From all the team here at SFL, congratulations Frances and family!