Latest news with #YorkshireMarathon
Daily Mirror
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Channel 4 star shares 'unbearable' miscarriage heartbreak before Manchester Marathon
Matthew Burton went viral after helping one of his pupils overcome a stammer on Educating Yorkshire - but his newest challenge will see him take on 26.2 miles this weekend Matthew Burton, better known as the beloved English teacher on Channel 4's Educating Yorkshire documentary, has opened up about the 'unbearable' pain of losing a child ahead of taking on the Manchester Marathon this weekend. Burton first appeared on our screens in 2013, and it wasn't long before a clip of him helping pupil Musharaf overcome a stammer went viral worldwide. Now, he is swapping out his textbooks for trainers as he takes on the 26.2-mile race for charity. On Christmas Eve in 2012, Burton and his wife, Laura, lost their first baby to miscarriage. Burton said: "Words can't ever really describe the feeling of being told you have lost your baby. To go from expecting to welcome a tiny human being to knowing that wasn't going to happen in a matter of seconds was just unbearable. 'Miscarriage is so common, but it still isn't spoken about as much as it should be – there's still a taboo that surrounds it.' Burton has since become an ambassador for the Miscarriage Association and works to raise awareness and funds so it can support people going through pregnancy loss. His previous challenges for the charity have included the Yorkshire Marathon and the Leeds 10k race - and he has appeared on-screen on The Celebrity Chase, which he won. Discussing his newest challenge, which he will be tackling on Sunday, April 27th, Burton said: 'I've been putting in the training on some dark and damp evenings, so since the clocks went forward it's been nice to get out in the sun and light! I'm now strangely looking forward to it – but maybe ask me again after 26 miles.' The Manchester Marathon is the UK's second-biggest marathon event - after the London race which is held on the same day. This year, 90,000 people are expected to take part in the two events, making it the biggest day of marathon running in UK history. Burton said that although the moment of loss he and his wife experience will 'never go away', it taught him a few things. 'Firstly, to talk about it. It helped. Those who knew about it thought they couldn't say the right things, I'm sure, but every supportive word helps,' he explained. He now has three children and works tirelessly to raise awareness of the importance of recognising the impact of experiencing loss - especially for men who sometimes can be overlooked. Burton added: 'The Miscarriage Association works hard to support those who need it at this heart-breaking time, advocate for change, and raise awareness of something that damned well needs it.' On his fundraising page, Burton said: 'I am running to make a change and make sure that every loss matters.' Since appearing on Educating Yorkshire, Burton has taken on a new role as headteacher at Thornhill Community Academy in Dewsbury. He has also travelled the country hosting workshops on leadership and has written a book called Go Big, which aims to help children aged ten and older with the transition from primary to secondary school. Last year, Channel 4 announced that a second season of Educating Yorkshire. The series will be filmed over 2024 and 2025, it said, and is set to be on our screens by the end of the year. Burton said he was excited to welcome the camera crews back into the school: 'The national challenges the profession faces are well publicised, and at Thornhill, I'm really proud of how our staff and students work together to thrive through those. Our values - 'work hard and be nice' - are at the centre of all we do; I have no doubt that viewers will see those come to life in our brilliant community."
The Independent
03-03-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Lindsey Burrow to run London Marathon in memory of late husband Rob
Lindsey Burrow is to run this year's London Marathon in memory of her late husband, former rugby league star Rob Burrow. Leeds Rhinos great Burrow died in June 2024 aged 41, five years after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease. Burrow and his former team-mate Kevin Sinfield raised more than £15million for MND charities through fundraising and campaigning. Lindsey will run in the London Marathon with her brother Mark on April 27 to continue raising money for the Leeds Hospitals Charity and the Leeds Rhinos Foundation. 'Running the London Marathon after losing my husband, Rob, to motor neurone disease is not just a physical challenge. It's a deeply personal journey of love, loss, and resilience,' she said. 'As I lace up my shoes, I carry with me the spirit of my beloved husband, Rob. His strength in the face of MND inspires me to push beyond my limits and find purpose in the midst of loss. 'This marathon represents not only a tribute to his incredible fight but also a celebration of the love we shared and the memories we created. 'Each mile I run is a testament to his enduring legacy, a reminder that even in the darkest times, we can find purpose and hope. 'I am running for him; for all those affected by this disease; and for the belief that together, we can make a difference.' Lindsey, 41, ran in the inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon in 2023 and the Yorkshire Marathon last year.
