TWO young sisters from Warrington are preparing to take on their biggest challenge yet as they lace up their trainers for the AJ Bell Great Manchester Mini Run on Saturday, May 17, running in memory of their baby brother, Lucas Alexander.
Eight-year-old Georgina and four-year-old Matilda Luca Ryder will be joining hundreds of other young runners at this year’s event – but for them, the race holds a deeper meaning. The girls are running as part of their school’s kindness project and raising money for the Liverpool Women’s Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), the same hospital that cared for Lucas after he was born 16 weeks early in May 2015, weighing just 1lb 6oz.
Lucas lived for 19 precious days, surrounded by love and supported by the dedicated team at the Liverpool Women’s NICU. During that time, the Liverpool Women’s Charity helped the Ryder family by providing accommodation and funding essential equipment to keep families close to their critically ill children.
Now, as Lucas would have turned 10 years old this year, Georgina and Matilda are honouring his memory in their own special way – with their very first organised run.
“Lucas would have loved doing something like this with them,” said their family. “This is their way of keeping his spirit alive and giving back to the hospital that meant so much to us.”
Though new to running events, the girls come from a family of Great Run regulars. Their parents have completed the Great Manchester Half, the Great North Run, and even Great Swim events. Their Uncle James ran the Great Manchester 10K while Lucas was still in hospital, and last year their dad completed the London Marathon. Now it’s Georgina and Matilda’s turn to take centre stage.
The girls are excited to take on the challenge, combining their love of the outdoors with a heartfelt mission to raise funds for life-saving neonatal care. The money they raise will go toward equipment, research, and family support services – helping to make a difference to other families facing similar challenges.
Their message to the community is simple but powerful: “Come and run with us!”
The Great Manchester Run Half Marathon is already sold out, and remaining 10K places are going fast. For those inspired by James’s story, there’s still time to get involved or show support. Visit greatrun.org/manchester to find out more.
