Local people raised cash by tackling the Great North Run on Sunday.

Kim Ward, 24, of Bradley, and 41-year-old Janet Smith, of Lothersdale, both work at the Keighley branch of Lloyds Bank.

They entered the 13-mile Tyneside race to raise money for the Simon Turner-Bottomley Trust. The trust was set up in 1997 in memory of Haworth man Simon who died after a mountaineering accident in the Alps.

Because Simon worked for Bradford City Training Services, providing training for young people, the decision was made to set up a trust to carry on his work. Money raised goes towards funding outdoor pursuits trips for young people.

Kim, a customer services officer, and Janet, a part-time cashier, originally planned to run the London Marathon. "But we got refused, as they had got too many runners," says Kim.

Simon's widow Marolyn suggested the women did the Great North Run instead. David Dean, the Keighley branch manager, is one of the charity's trustees.

Kim says: "I don't do enough running. It was very hard, but the atmosphere of the crowd kept me going. I couldn't move when I finished - my legs were like jelly."

She completed the race in three hours, while Janet managed to do it in two. But Janet admits: "I do a lot of running in my spare time."

They have raised several hundred pounds, but could not say exactly how much as they were still collecting sponsorship money. Janet and Kim will also be presented with a certificate and photo of themselves in the race.

Three Oakbank School teachers also completed the run.

Fitness instructor Will Smith and PE teachers Tristan Wallhead and Donna Reid all took part in the race, the biggest half marathon in the world.

Will came top out of the trio, finishing in the first 300 of the 45,000 runners with a superb time of 78 minutes. He says: "It's the first time for any of us."

Tristan adds: "Will's the athlete. We're just Jacks of all trades."

Tristan finished within the top 7,000-8,000 with a time of 1hr 50mins and Donna completed the race in 2hrs 2mins, just ten minutes behind track superstar Sally Gunnell.

Tristan says he could never dream about doing the London Marathon, which is twice the length of the Great North Run. He recalls that at the end of the half marathon he thought: 'I couldn't turn around and do it again.'

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