Claire's marathon fundraising effort

Updated: 28 Jan 2025

Vale of York’s Claire Needham has thanked those who supported her efforts to run the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon while raising money for charity.

Claire smiles through the pain after finishing the marathon

Worthy causes

Claire took to the tarmac on 14 May having collected over £2,800 of sponsorship, some of which was donated by Oddfellows members. The money will be shared between the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association and Martin House Children’s Hospice.

On a day that will be remembered by most for former Leeds Rhinos rugby league player, Rob Burrows, who has MND, being carried across the finish line by once teammate, Kevin Sinfield, Claire’s abiding memory will be of a gruelling six-and-a-half hours of running.

“it really kept me going”

Claire said: “It was an amazing experience but I'll be honest, probably not one I'll repeat – at least not in Leeds with those hills!

“It is a day I’ll never forget and to be part of something so huge felt very special.”

She added: “A huge thank you to everyone who sponsored me – it really did keep me going at the low points and reminded me why I was doing it.”

A mammoth effort

Claire joined 10,000 other runners on the start line and had completed over 5,000 steps before the race had even begun.

On what was a hot day, she battled through the pain barrier, admitting that, at times, she considered quitting.

Claire completed the marathon in 6:35:14

“My feet survived – all toenails intact and no blisters. Sadly, my sunburnt shoulders were not quite as lucky,” she said.

Claire’s partner, Dave, and parents, former and current Grand Masters (Chairman) of the Society, Peter and Barbara Needham, were all waiting to cheer her over the finish line on the pitch at Headingley stadium, which was described by Claire as a “really special moment”.

Charitable Oddfellows

It is still possible to sponsor Claire. To do so, visit donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/claire-runs-a-marathon where you can also find further information about her training runs, her story, and more about the charities she’s raised the money for.

Raising money for good causes is central part of the Oddfellows ethos. Visit our fundraising and giving back pages to find out more.