Charity champ's marathon challenge to help raise £4,000 for kids' communication aids

A FORMER Barnard Castle charity champion is en-route to helping raise £4,000 to fund communication equipment for youngsters with special needs.
Cockfield mum Lisa Wood and Chris Read, the man behind A Smile For A Child, first crossed paths at the Teesdale Mercury Community Pride Awards last year.
The pair have since been looking at how they could help fund new “eye gazer” equipment at The Oaks Secondary School, in Spennymoor.
Ms Wood’s son Matthew is a student at the school for which she has organised countless fundraisers over the years.
The new equipment would enable students with no means of communication to interact with others around them.
Last week, Mr Read ran a marathon on a treadmill in the schoolyard to help reach the £4,000 target. He was joined by youngsters who ran alongside him having been sponsored by family and friends.
Assistant headteacher Lee Davis said: “Chris got in touch with us via Lisa and has come along to raise money for eye gazer equipment. We are trying to raise £4,000.
“It is vital because without it they can’t communicate. They will be able to move the cursor with their eyes. In the past we have had to hire one. It helps with their self-confidence and they can interact with their peers and the staff.
“We would like to thank Chris for coming. We really appreciate his kindness and support for the school.”
The youngsters completed a total of 86 miles between them and raised £400 towards the equipment.
Mid-marathon Mr Read said: “It is very warm but it for a good cause. It is fantastic that the children are joining in too. We have numerous other events planned to help raise the money. So far we have raised just over £1,000 but we will get there.”
Ms Wood added: “It is going to help tremendously with communication. It will take a lot of stress away and they will be able to take part in activities. It is absolutely fantastic.”