London Marathon: Dad to run after wife struck by Dale Clark

Just over a year after Becky Sharp was hit by Dale Clark, Dan Sharp will take to the start line of one of the world’s most famous races.

Dan will be raising money for Brain Research UK, and he will be running alongside friend and colleague at the RNLI, Ross MacLeod, as Becky continues her recovery from her head injuries.

Clark was jailed for three years and eight months in October.

As part of their fundraising efforts, the Year 5s at Longfleet Primary School organised a fun run, with the whole school taking part.

Children took on laps of the school field and courts as part of a whole day event with Dan and Ross on hand to run a few laps themselves, as they continue their training for the race.

“It’s not my first marathon,” Dan said. “I had trained for Manchester Marathon and was due to run it four days after Becky got hit.

“So I’d done all the training, so this is nice because now we’re running London, which is a huge deal.

“We’re able to raise money for Brain Research UK so it’s a double benefit because I’m doing what I was planning to do before and then also being able to benefit the charity and hopefully improve the outcomes for people with brain injuries.”

The pair initially aimed to raise £2,000 but raised that within 24 hours. Now, they have soared past £7,500 and are aiming for £10,000.

Ross said: “Dan and Becky have been good friends of ours for many years so like everyone, it was a complete shock what’s happened. It’s been a really difficult few months to help support them through and do what we can as friends.

“When Dan suggested running the marathon for Brain Research UK, to turn what was a really terrible situation into a bit of a positive, I jumped at the chance.

“The fact that Becky is now at home and back to being a mum to their kids is amazing.”

Becky is being supported by the community therapy team as she continues her recovery and is doing well.

Ross’s children, Monty and Molly, attend Longfleet Primary, and took part in the fun run.

He said: “The school has been brilliant to arrange this. It’s been really motivating to see pretty much every child in the school doing a number of laps so fair play to school, a real community spirit today.”

Penny Irons is the PSHE leader at the school, and said the Year 5s had planned, advertised and organised the day.

“We had Ross come in and talk to the Year 5s about the charity, so they all knew where the money was going and I think having that personal touch as well has made them really interested to want to do it,” she said.

“I’m so proud of them, I’m buzzing today, they’ve been amazing. The Year 5s have outshone themselves.”

Helena Davies, from Brain Research UK, said the money raised would go towards funding research projects.

“It’s been such a privilege to be a part of Becky’s story and we are in awe of her determination and strength.

“The awareness that they have been spreading is incredible as well, it’s just as important as the fundraising.”

To donate, visit: https://2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/ross-macleod