York young carers will be the winners of summer fun run

Some of York’s young unsung heroes will benefit from a charity fun run this summer.

The annual York Mini And Junior Run hits the streets in August. Organised by Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All, which organises events to raise money for children’s and cancer charities, this year’s York run will support young carers.

Many children in York look after someone in their family who have an illness, disability, mental health problem or a problem with alcohol or drugs.

According to York Carers Centre, 400 eight to 18-year-olds are known to be carers, but as many as three in 20 young people could have this role.

The centre supports them via its Young Carers’ Service – which will benefit from the fun run fundraising this year.

It provides youth clubs called Laffs Groups, where the youngsters can relax, chat and play games.

The service also organises trips and events so the young people can take a break from caring for someone, and offers one-to-one support.

Making a difference

One of those to have benefited is Bethany Wallace.

The 14-year-old, who goes to All Saints School, York, cares for her father, who has numerous heart problems.

She said that her duties as a carer include vital tasks such as “making sure [her father] ate, drank and took his tablets”.

“I hope the run will provide the centre will the publicity it needs,” Bethany added.

“While we get some core funding, all our activities are paid for by fundraising and donations,” said senior young carer worker Liz Langwade.

“To have been chosen to benefit from the Mini and Junior Run is brilliant and will make such a difference to the lives of young carers in York.”

Bethany is taking part in the fun run, alongside fellow carers Luke Smith and Ellie Elliott, both 12.

How to join in

The York Mini And Junior Run will be held at 11.45am on Sunday, August 3.

There are two distances – 2.5km for youngsters aged nine to 14 and 1.5km for children aged three to eight – with both routes finishing on Knavesmire Road near the racecourse. Mini run participants must be accompanied around the route by an adult.

Thanks to sponsorship from Yorkshire business the Arena Group, entry is free for all. Children taking part are encouraged to raise a small amount of money for charity.

For more information about this event, and to enter one of the races, visit the Run For All York pages.