Mr Burton’s going on the run

An enigmatic English teacher who starred in Channel 4’s Educating Yorkshire will lace up his running shoes to race for charity in the Plusnet Yorkshire Marathon next weekend.

Thornhill Community Academy’s Matthew Burton will line up alongside thousands of fundraisers on Sunday October 12 for the 26-mile marathon in York, to raise cash for the Miscarriage Association and Forget-Me-Not Children’s Hospice.

He said he wants to run the race to raise awareness of miscarriages after his wife miscarried in 2012.

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Mr Burton said: “My wife and I very sadly lost what would have been our first baby, and words can’t ever really describe the feeling.

“To go from expecting to welcome a tiny human being in a few months to knowing that wasn’t going to happen in a matter of seconds was just unbearable.

“I know the marathon is going to be tough but the thought of doing it for such good causes should spur me on.”

He is also donating money to Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice, in Huddersfield in memory of three-year-old Harry Whittaker - who starred in Emmerdale as Leo Dingle - after he died earlier this year.

Harry was the nephew of one of Mr Burton’s friends.

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Mr Burton added: “This brilliant charity provides support and help for families and children in those dark, dark times of dire need, and are a constant support and comfort.”

The marathon, which starts and ends at the University of York, is the second Plusnet have organised.

More than six thousand fundraisers raised a total of £1.3m for charities in the inaugural race last year.

For more information on the marathon visit www.theyorkshiremarathon.com.