Marathon legend supports #WMPMND team

27 February 2020

Legendary marathon runner Paula Radcliffe has given her backing to the #WMPMND runners taking part in the Liverpool Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon in support of West Midlands Assistant Chief Constable Chris Johnson.

And, while on a brief visit to the UK from her home in France, she even found time to meet the Johnsons and give an exclusive interview to Chris’ wife, Sharon, and nine-year-old son, Harry, telling them that she had started running and competing at about that age.

“It was so fab to meet Paula; Mum and Dad told me all about her and her records and she has encouraged me to keep running,” says Harry.

Chris, who was featured on Channel 5 News this week, and Sharon were equally thrilled.

“Meeting Paula was a real honour. Paula was humble, warm and engaging. Even though her flight had been delayed, she didn’t flinch in giving her time to meet us and support the #WMPMND cause. I hope that the practical advice that she gave for those taking part in the marathon will be of some help, she certainly inspired me,” said Chris.

Sharon added: “It was absolutely amazing to meet Paula and for her to give up her time to help raise awareness around motor neurone disease and the marathon efforts. She was clearly touched by our story. It was a fantastic experience and we can’t thank her enough for supporting #WMPMND.”

The meeting came about as a result of West Midlands DI Chris Jones getting in touch with Paula who won the London Marathon three times – in 2002, 2003 and 2005 – and set world records at the distance, holding the women’s world marathon record for 16 years until 2019. She has also been European champion over 10,000 metres and in cross country and was Commonwealth champion at 10,000 metres.

“Paula’s support for our campaign has been fantastic; she agreed to meet personally with the Johnson family in Manchester and took time out from her hectic schedule to record some personalised videos for us. Paula has also very kindly donated some items for an auction and free prize draw,” he explained.

Paula was back in England to film for the BBC and met the Johnson family, Chris and DS Trudy Gittins – who launched the appeal to find runners to join her in taking part in the Liverpool event to raise funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association and Primrose Hospice – the day before filming.

Trudy explains: “We got one of our t-shirts printed and the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon event director created a personalised bib and she very happily wore both. Harry and Sharon interviewed Paula with some fantastic questions - thanks so much to those who helped with them - to help keep us all motivated.

“It really was a wonderful, surreal experience, especially when Paula said that she was going for a run with Steve Cram after the interview! You could not meet a nicer lady and nothing was too much trouble. Paula also signed some items for us along with donating a pair of her own trainers that she’s ran a half marathon in plus one of her running tops. These will all be used to raise money and awareness of MND.”

Police officers from across England and Wales are getting behind the fund-raising efforts. More than 350 people have now signed up to take part in the Liverpool Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon events in May to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) and the Primrose Hospice in Bromsgrove which is supporting Mr Johnson and his family.

Support the fund-raising.

Watch Chris Johnson being interviewed on Channel 5.