Run for Yvonne overwhelms organisers

Yvonne won the Masters Women’s 35 – 39 grade at the 2006 National Cross Country Championships.

Just three years ago Yvonne Evans won the Masters Women’s 35 – 39 grade at the National Cross Country Champs. In March 2008 she was diagnosed with lung cancer; she will be the first person in Christchurch to receive the non government-funded drug Avastin in the hope of extending her life expectancy beyond the one year. The Run for Yvonne was organised as a fundraising event to help Yvonne meet the $20,000+ costs she requires for her treatment.

Over 1500 people walked and ran around Hagley Park on Sunday 13 July to raise funds for the leading Canterbury runner and mother of three’s fight against lung cancer.

With original hopes of reaching 1000 entries, organisers were completely overwhelmed by an additional 500 people queuing to enter on the day and many people giving extra donations as well.  “We were left speechless by people’s generosity” said Paul Coughlan, one of the event organisers. “Yvonne’s story has obviously touched a lot of people and it was just overwhelming to see the level of support.  People were paying their $20 entry with $100 cheques and $50 notes and saying ‘keep the change’.” 

Yvonne herself was able to take part in the event, held on her 38th birthday and just three days after her latest course of chemotherapy, walking with husband Chris and her three children around the 3.5km walk section course. 

Over 1500 people walked and ran around Hagley Park

  

Top ranked Christchurch runner Brett Tingay was first to cross the line in 16 minutes 24 seconds for the 5.5km run section.  Also taking part were Canterbury cross country champion and Christchurch Marathon winner Rowan Hooper, multiple New Zealand champion Phil Costley, and a number of Canterbury Tactix netballers including Julie Seymour, formerly a top runner herself.

It is estimated that at least $30,000 was raised by the event, far better than the $20,000 target originally hoped for.

Further donations can be forwarded to:
Olympic Harrier Club
P O Box 7311
Sydenham
Christchurch