Team of runners complete charity challenge in Saltburn

Yaldren’s Heroes arrived at Saltburn’s Cliff Lift at the end of their final mile having raised more than £8,000 to fund research into finding a cure for the disease as part of the national Time To Run challenge.

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The squad of 43 joined the cause in support of their mutual friend and Saltburn resident, Jo Yaldren. Former nurse and now university lecturer Jo was diagnosed with Parkinson’s four years ago aged 47 and is committed to raising awareness and improving understanding of the disease.

Runners finishing in Saltburn

Organiser Jules France, also from Saltburn, originally pulled the team together, and has been the powerhouse behind the fundraising drive ever since.

She said: “We created the team in support of our darling Jo. Despite having Parkinson’s, she continues to be a ray of sunshine in our lives. She’s unbelievably positive and kind and she is determined to raise the profile of Parkinson’s. Her condition is managed with a variety of wonder drugs, but this won’t always be the case. So I wanted to get a team together to support the campaign and raise money to help fund the charity’s research.

Toasting their achievement

“Since then, we have pounded the night streets after work, scampered up rainy hills and jogged on treadmills, all wanting to do something positive to make a difference to support our friend. Some of the team also have relatives and other friends with the disease too, and they’ve said how great it’s been to really shine a light on a silent condition that people often shy away from talking about.”

There’s still time to sponsor Yaldren’s Heroes by donating here.