Debbie’s half-marathon challenge in father’s memory

THE daughter of a highly-respected community stalwart will be inspired by his memory when she takes part in one of the North-East’s biggest sporting occasions. Debbie Dilasser will tackle the Redcar Half-Marathon for the fi rst time in June, with the full support of the  Dormanstown community which her father Cliff Houlding served tirelessly for many years as a local councillor. She is planning to hand all sponsorship money from the event over to two of the causes closest to her family’s heart – the Cliff Houlding Centre, Park Court, Dormanstown, the facility named in honour of her father, and Diabetes UK. Mr Houlding, who died in April 2009 aged 65, was chairman of the borough council’s Labour group, Coast & Country Housing, the Council’s Redcar Area Committee, Dormanstown Primary School governors and was a governor at Redcar Community College. And Debbie, who was born and bred in Redcar but now lives in Harrogate, will make the Half-Marathon even more of a family affair as she will be joined by husband Jamie for the 13.1-mile run. “I run for a local club, but this will be the fi rst time I’ve done a half-marathon,” she said. “I love my dad very much and I was really keen to do something in his memory, so the Redcar event was the perfect one as the area meant so much to him. Raising money for Diabetes UK and the centre named after my dad makes it even more special.” Anyone wanting to sponsor Debbie can log onto www.justgiving.com/Debbie-Dilasser The 29th Redcar Half-Marathon takes place on Sunday, June 12. There will also be a family fun run, taking place at Redcar Athletic FC’s Green Lane Playing Field and sponsored by the Redcar and Cleveland NHS Primary Care Trust. The Mayor of Redcar & Cleveland Councillor Ray Goddard’s charities – Zoe’s Place, the RNLI and Mike Findley’s MND Fund – as well as TFM Radio’s Cash for Kids appeal will benefi t from the event, while runners can also raise money for their own favourite causes. The event is organised by Tees Valley Leisure and Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council. Tees Valley Leisure Managing Director Ian Donley said: “Entries are now pouring in for both events and we are hoping for a record-breaking number of runners to join us for this great occasion.” To enter online or download an application form, log onto www.teesvalleyleisure.co.uk Alternatively, visit any Tees Valley Leisure centre or telephone 01642 492905.g