Bethan Pritchard, who runs the Bethan Sian beauty salon in the heart of Malton, has embarked on the challenge of her life for charity.
Thirty-year-old Bethan has successfully run seven marathons in seven months across the UK this to raise money for two charities very close to her heart.
Her first six marathons have raised nearly £9,000 for Tommy’s, a pregnancy charity that helps the many people that are living through the pain of dealing with losing a baby.
The next six marathons, the first of which was completed last Sunday, are raising money for Ryedale Special Families, the Malton-based charity which supports families who have children and young adults with disabilities, illness and additional needs.
Bethan, who also owns a beauty salon in Scarborough, is being sponsored by Sean and Sue Harrison, her good friends who run the flourishing Malton Enterprise Park in York Road.
Bethan commented: “I have been delighted and humbled by the support I have received so far this year. My original target for my first six marathons was to raise £8,000 for Tommy’s and, thanks to so many people’s generosity, I have smashed that. Now I am hoping for the same result for Ryedale Special Families.
“This is a very special charity, which is helping dear friends of mine Richard and Charlotte to look after their additional needs daughter Rosa. They are incredibly brave and Rosa is an inspiration to us all. That will motivate me to run my heart out in my remaining five marathons this year.
“Ryedale Special Families are currently raising money to build a £1million state-of-the-art headquarters in Pickering. They are already past halfway towards their target, but funding has been cruelly pulled by North Yorkshire County Council, which makes my fund-raising efforts even more important.”
Lisa Keenen, chief officer of Ryedale Special Families, explained: “'We were delighted when Beth decided to raise funds for us She has made an incredible commitment to fundraising and done amazing well in her first six months which has benefitted Tommy's Charity. It's great to see local people helping their local charities and we know the Ryedale community will get behind Beth.
“The money Beth raises will go to a really important project for Ryedale Special Families, the creation of a new base for the charity. This will be a Centre of Excellence for disabled young people and their families and something that Ryedale can be really proud of. We have been supporting local families for over 25 years and this will enable us to do so for the next 25 years. We wish her lots of luck!'
Bethan continued: “I have undertaken a number of challenges for charity before, but this has been my biggest yet. It has been demanding but exhilarating and I am heartened by the generous support from Sean and Sue, which will pay for all my travelling and accommodation costs across the county, and by the donations I have already received on my Just Giving page (www.justgiving.com/page/bethansianpritchard)
“I have been tested to my limit, both physically and mentally. I have put a strict regime in place, which has meant making sacrifices, so my body is prepared. I haven’t gone into this lightly, and I need to raise as much money as possible to support others facing their own challenges. The difference is, I’ve chosen to take this challenge on – for many people, challenges don’t come by choice.”
Sue Harrison explained: “We were more than happy to sponsor Bethan in her amazing charity challenge. Apart from the fact that she is a good friend, these are causes very close to my heart. We are delighted that our support has enabled her to concentrate on the marathons themselves, rather than on any external pressures.”
Bethan’s challenge began in Skipton in January and she has completed a full marathon, 26.2 miles, every month since then, including the London Marathon. Future marathons will include runs in Malton, Skipton and London.
Beth is organising a black tie ball in aid of Ryedale Special Families at York Racecourse on Thursday November 16 at 6.30pm. Tickets are available from Bethan and cost £70.
