Blind runner completes three charity races

The Northern Echo (UK)
Thursday, October 25, 2007

Blind runner completes three charity races

A BLIND runner has completed his 19th Great North Run, as well as two six-mile 
road races, to raise money for a charity. 

Joe Elsender, 69, of Chester-le-Street, who is registered blind, completed his 
three-race challenge to raise funds for the County Durham Society for the Blind 
and Partially Sighted. 

He raised £1,100 after he ran the Blaydon Race, in 53 minutes (5.7 miles), the 
Darlington Race, in 58 minutes (6.1 miles), and the Great North half-marathon, 
in two hours 18 minutes. 

Mr Elsender was able to complete each race with the help of a guide running 
alongside to warn him of obstacles, such as kerbs and roads. 

Fellow runners Susan Shand, Diane Lane and Angie Watson, assisted him by acting 
as guides and fundraisers to help him achieve his charity total. 

Mr Elsender said: "I am ecstatic to raise so much money for my local society. 

"They need to raise £50,000 each year through donations alone to continue to 
provide free services, and I am very proud to have contributed towards that 
target." 

The society offers services to more than 2,000 visually impaired people in 
County Durham, including a resource centre, talking newspapers, computer 
mentoring and a befriending service. 

For further information, call 0191-386 8175.


http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/local/north/display.var.1784708.0.blind_runner_completes_three_charity_races.php
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