A CHILDREN’S doctor is doing the Great North Run for charity in honour of his father.
Stephen Cronin, a Durham-based paediatrician, will tackle the Tyneside half-marathon in aid of Alzheimer’s Research UK and the Alzheimer’s Society.
The 56-year-old, who works for the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, will be part of a 30-strong team running for the same cause.
He will be pounding the 13.1-mile course for his father Frank, 81, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease nearly ten years ago.
He said: “Dad was a business man and ran his own printing company.
“He was chairman of the local Variety Club and an international ambassador.
“He was a great mathematician, massively logical and a very caring individual.
“Mum died about ten years ago and dad’s Alzheimer’s was diagnosed about four years after that. It’s a hideous process.
“It’s an exasperating condition and takes away your pride. Dad can still recognise us but he now needs 24-hour care.”
Mr Cronin has run eight marathons and earlier this month completed the 100-mile London to Surrey bike ride.
To sponsor him, visit justgiving.com/franksteamp100
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