Fundraisers gear up for the Great Manchester run

Geoff Decker was assistant headteacher at Broad Oak High School in Bury for 20 years and taught maths.

He died in January, aged 63, at Salford Royal Hospital after he suffered a stroke.

Mr Decker was affectionately known to loved ones as The Soulman due to his love of music.

His wife Sheila and his daughter Laura are taking part in the run, joined by Laura’s partner, Paul Tracey, and 13 friends. They will be raising funds for the Stroke Association, which funds research into the condition.

Laura, aged 27, of Rochdale, said: “My father had such a charismatic personality, and was a big figure in the school.

“I want to say ‘thank you’ to the fabulous work of The Stroke Association which has been brought to my family’s attention. A stroke is horrific. We need to continue research into stroke prevention to stop this happening to others.”

The association’s regional fundraiser, Rebecca Owen, said: “What a lovely honour Laura and her family and friends are making to Geoff.

“Without their support, we wouldn’t be able to carry out our work to prevent stroke. the UK’s third-biggest killer.”

To donate to the cause or find out more about the association: call 0303 303 3100 or visit stroke.org.uk THE WIFE and daughter of a long-serving schoolteacher are taking to the road to help a charity in his memory.

Geoff Decker was assistant headteacher at Broad Oak High School in Bury for 20 years and taught maths.

He died in January, aged 63, at Salford Royal Hospital after he suffered a stroke.

Mr Decker was affectionately known to loved ones as The Soulman due to his love of music.

His wife Sheila and his daughter Laura are taking part in the run, joined by Laura’s partner, Paul Tracey, and 13 friends. They will be raising funds for the Stroke Association, which funds research into the condition.

Laura, aged 27, of Rochdale, said: “My father had such a charismatic personality, and was a big figure in the school.

“I want to say ‘thank you’ to the fabulous work of The Stroke Association which has been brought to my family’s attention. A stroke is horrific. We need to continue research into stroke prevention to stop this happening to others.”

The association’s regional fundraiser, Rebecca Owen, said: “What a lovely honour Laura and her family and friends are making to Geoff.

“Without their support, we wouldn’t be able to carry out our work to prevent stroke. the UK’s third-biggest killer.”

To donate to the cause or find out more about the association: call 0303 303 3100 or visit stroke.org.uk A 73-YEAR-OLD man who underwent a triple heart bypass last year is under starter’s orders.

Alan Norman is a volunteer with the Bury Society for Blind and Partially Sighted People, and will be joined by eight other society staff and volunteers. He is raising money for the organisation, located in the town’s Bolton Street.

Society fundraiser Debbie Edwards said: “Alan has been a volunteer. For the past couple of years he’s come in every day. He runs the monthly socials as well as assisting visually impaired people with benefits and organising can shaking collections across the borough. He also makes the best cup of tea.”

To support Alan: visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/Alan_Norman A KINDHEARTED sportsman is swapping the rugby field for the road.

Bury Rugby Union Football Club player Paul McGarraghy is taking part — and then tackling the Edinburgh Marathon just seven days later. Paul is appealing for sponsors, with all proceeds going to The Christie specialist cancer hospital, where his friend, George Sullivan — affectionately known as Geoff the Chef — was treated before his death in 2010.

Paul said: “I’ve decided to support The Christie because I have known people who have needed help there both recently and in the past.

“I believe the organisation gave these people a better quality of life through the treatment they received.”

To sponsor Paul: visit justgiving.com/Podge2011.

A BURY woman, who has epilepsy, is preparing to put on her running shoes.

Hannah Gayne, aged 19, will raise vital funds for Epilepsy Action, the UK’s largest member-led epilepsy charity.

The teenager, who hopes to raise £400, said: “I have epilepsy so I know how it feels and, therefore, want to raise awareness and make a difference. It’s an event I do every year but what makes it different for me is that it is a challenge as I have a minor disability.

“Epilepsy Action has really supported me and I’d now like to support others affected by epilepsy. I raised money for Epilepsy Action last year too.”

Hannah added: “This year I feel I want to raise even more this time as the charity has been able to help me even more this year with medication and general advice.”

To support Hannah: visit www.justgiving.com/Hannah-Gayne2 A TEAM from the Release Money Group, based at Heap Brow in Heap Bridge, is running in aid of Wythenshawe Hospital Charity.

The group comprises Varden Nuttall, Debt Release Direct, Release Money & Release Corporate Rescue. Participants are: James Barnes, Darren Varden, Kim Nugent, Liam James, Aimee-Leigh Pickford, Eliott Duckworth, Chloe Bebb, Oliver Quinlivan-Grech, Wesley Batty and Rowaidah Qaddoumi. They will be joined by Kim’s friend, Sarah Finnerty.

A CARING mum hopes to give a helping hand to other parents.

Sian Nixon, of Calderwood Close, Tottington, is pulling on her running shoes in a bid to raise £180 for the National Childbirth Trust (NCT), which provides support for pregnant women and parents.

The 34-year-old is co-ordinator of NCT’s Bury and Rossendale branch and hopes to boost the charity’s profile.

The event will be extra special for Mrs Nixon because it takes place on her 35th birthday.

Mrs Nixon, mother to three-year-old Lewis, said: “I’ve done a couple of Race For Life 5ks and decided to set myself the challenge of running 10kms to celebrate reaching my mid 30s. The atmosphere will be really good so I can’t wait. I want to raise as much money for the NCT as possible. It’s a brilliant organisation and provides great support for parents.”

To sponsor Mrs Nixon: visit justgiving.com/Sian-Nixon