On the run again

TEACHERS turned athletes celebrating success in the Great North Run have today vowed to keep their running shoes on.

Eight teachers from Needham Market Middle School were among the 45,000 runners taking part in the famous Tyneside half marathon last Sunday.

And despite aches and pains caused by the 13.1mile course, the group have vowed to do it again.

The swap from the classroom to the running track was made to raise money for a prostrate cancer research charity.

Richard Miller, head of year eight, was diagnosed with the cancer last year. He was one of the teachers who took part in the race.

Mr Miller, 52, said: "We were aiming to raise £3,000 but it looks like we might reach £5,000 which is amazing.

"A £10 donation even found its way from America after an Evening Star website user spotted the story on the website and sent us a cheque.

"The atmosphere on the day was fantastic and we are seriously thinking of doing another half marathon, possibly the one in Prague next year."

Teachers Andrew Bond, Kevin Cook, Essi d'Elmeida, Peter Gunter, Jane Johnson, Katherine Richardson, Alison Leech and Adrian Macey were Mr Miller's fellow runners.

Three past students, including Mr Miller's son Daniel, also ran.

PE teacher Mr Cook and Daniel Miller both achieved times under the coveted two hours.

Mr Miller said: "Most of us were running to finish, not to get a fast time but we all did well as we trained hard before hand.

"We didn't run together but there was a very strong sense of team spirit in training and on the day.

"All the support made the run even more moving for me.

"I really want to thank everyone who sent donations in.

"It encouraged us to keep going and we all really appreciate it."

Anyone wanting to make a donation to prostrate cancer research through the school should send them to Needham Market School, School Street, Needham Market, IP6 8BB