Kellie decided to take on the challenge of the Great North Run 2025 in memory of her Uncle David who had Down Syndrome . 

"Uncle David was born with Down Syndrome, and he truly was the best uncle anyone could ask for. His love for Middlesbrough FC and his dedication to his church were remarkable. My Grandad Keith (David’s father) became the Chairman of Mencap's Northallerton Branch because David cherished being part of that community ." - Kellie Wallace

"David inspired me to work with individuals with learning disabilities, both during my school years and in America. Unfortunately, David passed away the same day I returned from the States, and I never had the chance to share my stories or show him pictures of New York."

Woman ringing a bell at the end of the Great North Run

What would you say to someone to encourage them to run the Great North Run for Mencap?  

"An amazing charity and an amazing run! I only started running in June 2024, through couch to 5k. Put your mind to it, you can do anything!" 

Kellie went on to raise an incredible £615 to support Mencap's work to support people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives, and we cannot thank her enough.

Donate to Mencap

£7

could answer a call from someone in crisis who reaches out to our Learning Disability Helpline for support.

£25

could help a trained caseworker stop a parent’s loved one from being wrongfully locked away in a mental health hospital.

£50

could help pay for urgent legal support for a family in desperate need of advice to prevent their loved one being admitted to an in-patient unit.