10:30am Friday 27th February 2009
By Tanya O'Rourke
A world-class Bradford athlete, who has learning difficulties and epilepsy, will take part in the Epilepsy Action Bradford 10k run next month.
Claire Ryan, 29, was named Sportswoman of the Year at the npower Active Sports Awards in 2005.
She has competed in International Paralympic Committee World European Athletics Championships since 1998 and also runs for Halifax Harriers.
Claire, of Wilson Road, Wyke, will run with her dad, Geoff, at his pace.
She said: “I’d like to win, but I’m doing it to make people more aware of the condition, how many people have passed away because of it and how hard people can find it to deal with. I was diagnosed at eight weeks old.
“I had so many blackouts when I was younger but I haven’t had one for eight years.
“My mum used to be an athlete too; that’s one of the reasons why I’ve pushed myself to do it – I definitely take after my mum and dad.
“They are very proud of me and they’ve been really supportive.”
Claire, a former pupil of Haycliffe Special School in Little Horton, has been selected to run in the French National Championships in Paris in May for Mencap and The GB Global Games later this year.
She will run the Bradford event to raise funds for her other competitions and kit costs, which can run into thousands of pounds a year.
Her father Geoff said: “All Claire’s family and friends regularly take part in fundraising and she is lucky to have the people of Wyke supporting her.
“I’m very proud of Claire – she keeps getting better.”
The run, on Sunday, March 29, is supported by the Telegraph & Argus, Bradford Council and the Airedale Athletics squad.
It will begin and end in Centenary Square, Bradford, with runners travelling along Canal Road towards Frizinghall and back.
Prizes will be awarded for male and female first, second and third places as well as veterans. There will be free T-shirts for all competitors and refreshments will be available on the day.
It costs £15 to enter, or £13 for those affiliated to an athletics club. For an entry form, log on to the T&A website (see below) or call (0113) 2108800.
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