Post Race Update By Vanessa:

I guess for me the build up to the big day was the most daunting. I had no idea what to expect from a 13 mile run, but most of all, from a more personal view, I was strangely both apprehensive and really excited to see some very dear friends that weekend, most of whom i hadn't seen since Matty's funeral. I have to say the two were nothing to worry about and were huge successes.
I really had not trained hard enough, 8 miles was the furthest I'd ever ran in my life. However, on the day the atmosphere from the crowd was incredible and the energy you get from fellow runners seem to make my training issues disappear. Reading the backs of t-shirts, seeing pictures of love one's, made me realise there was not only 7 of Matt's friends running in memory of a loved one, but there was thousands of us. Encouraging messages from the crowds 'You are all Saints','This is all possible because of you' and one that really sticks in my mind is 'Tired; then train harder next year!', fab.
I think if Matty could see us all on that day he would be laughing so hard in disbelief. Go back 10-15 years, and more, when all of us on a night out in Manchester couldn't even walk in a straight line, never mind run. He would have had something sarcy to say to each and everyone of us.
It was truly great to see Angela and Julia, both kept their chins up and we were all glad of their support.
I would like to say congratulations to Alan and John, who were our front runners (up there with Haile Gebrselassie). Andy who had a fantastic run, (despite the tales of his bad knees) shame we lost him at the start of the race. The Brogan Brothers,(all joined at the hip) brilliant team work lads, great times. And last but not least, me, what a feeling when you pass through that finish line. Huge floods of emotion, I so wanted to hug the person next to me. (probably get some funny looks if i did). Each and every one of us should be proud, what an achievement.
Thank you so much to all our 12 supporters, even the 2 in prams.
WHAT A GREAT DAY HAD BY ALL!

The Event: Si, Shay, Vanessa, Bert, Al, John and Andy have all decided in memory of Matty who passed away on the 7th January 2010, to do something stupid and attempt to run a half marathon. Apart from Al & John it is a new experience for most but everyone felt in some small way it would keep the memory of Matt alive!!!

A little about Matt: Matthew brought such happiness to his mother Julia and his adopted father Graham. Matt as he is known by his friends grew up in a close but very large extended family and grew into a beautiful person who was always concerned about others and their happiness. Matt developed Crohn’s disease when he was 21, but this did not stop him following his favourite pastime of watching football or his passion for Manchester United and England. Sadly his health deteriorated in the last few months of his life, but in spite of this he continued to work. Matt leaves behind his wife Angela, one year old son James and three year old daughter Charlotte. His family have been comforted by the comments of friends and colleagues who in unison have described Matthew as a true gentleman, everyone tells of his kindness and gentleness. He was loved by so many and will be missed by his family, friends and colleagues as a loving husband, wonderful daddy, beloved son, a treasured son-in-law, very special brother-in-law, a much loved nephew, cousin, friend and colleague. For a little more about Matt click here

Please donate whatever you can to help......NACC champions the needs of all people affected by colitis and Crohn’s and our voice grows ever stronger with your support.  240,000 people in the UK have colitis and Crohn’s, inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) which last a lifetime and for which there is no known cure. The conditions can have a devastating impact on education, work, social and family life. Colitis and Crohn’s can strike at any age but most commonly begin in children, adolescents and young people.

Thankyou!!!