Malton owner of Bethan Sian beauty salon running 12 marathons in 12 months for charity

Her first six marathons have raised nearly £9,000 for Tommy’s, a pregnancy charity that helps people who are living through the pain of dealing with losing a baby.

The final six marathons – she completed run seven last month in Malton and run eight on Saturday - are raising money for Ryedale Special Families.

The Malton-based charity supports those 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, 30, says: “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.”

Although Rosa is undiagnosed, she suffers from seizures, has difficulty walking and hasn’t started to talk yet, says Bethan.

Lisa Keenen, chief officer of Ryedale Special Families, adds: “We were delighted when Beth decided to raise funds for us She has made an incredible commitment to fundraising and done amazingly 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’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.

Bethan has undertaken a number of challenges for charity before, but says this is her 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.”

“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 adds: “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 has so far raised more than £890 of the £7,000 she is trying to get for Ryedale Special Families with her online page.

She is also organising a black tie ball in aid of the charity at York Racecourse on Thursday, November 16 at 6.30pm. Tickets are available from Bethan and cost £70.

To support Bethan, visit her Just Giving page, www.justgiving.com/page/bethansianpritchard

People can also follow her activities on her social media channels: @bethansianmalton (Instagram) and Bethan Sian, Malton (Facebook).