Leeds brother's 10K tribute to tragic grandfather

This will be the first time Sports Massage Therapist, Nick and Matt, a Reporter and Assistant News Editor for Made in Leeds TV, will be running together and the pair will be raising funds for Leeds based Heart Research UK.

The brother’s grandfather, John Brown died suddenly from a heart attack in 2010 as he was on holiday in Jersey with his wife, celebrating his Golden Wedding Anniversary. His tragic death shook his family.

“It was a terrible shock for us all,” said 24-year-old Matt.

“Family was everything to him and he was a big support to us as we were growing up.

“We want to run it in his memory on what will be a special day for the Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All Leeds 10K, as it celebrates 10 years.

“We haven’t done anything like this before so it’s great to be representing a Leeds-based charity on a big day for the city.”

Matt has also had his own heart scare and that has helped motivate his decision to run.

“I had my own heart scare last October after suffering chest pains, but thankfully a scan revealed nothing abnormal. Taking part in the race has been my chance to get fit again and challenge myself.”

The brothers used to be keen athletes competing for Pudsey & Bramley Athletics Club throughout their schooldays, but they both admit cardio-vascular exercise has taken a back seat in recent years.

Sports Massage Therapist Nick, has worked with Yorkshire Carnegie, Leeds Rhinos and Castleford Tigers. He said he might need to be on hand to help his brother at the end of the race - if he isn’t exhausted.

“Matt looks capable enough but he has knees like jelly and has suffered from recurring injuries for years.

“If I’m not too tired, I might be needed come the end,” he said.

The race is one of a series of 10K road races organised by the Jane Tomlinson Foundation. The Leeds mother of three was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer at 36 but was determined to show that people with a terminal prognosis could still lead productive lives. Before her death in September 2007, Jane personally raised almost £2million for cancer charities.

Despite having to retire from competitions at the end of 2006 Jane channelled her remaining energies into creating the Leeds 10k Run For All. The first event was held in June 2007 attracting 8,000 runners and raising more than £500,000 for charities and good causes.

Run for All events has since grown into a whole series of events around the county.