ONE of the biggest sporting events in York’s calendar will be the stage for a mother’s fundraising efforts for a “lifeline” children’s charity.

Fiona Sefton is set to line up with thousands of other runners in this year’s Run For All York 10k, set up in memory of sporting legend Jane Tomlinson, in a bid to raise funds for SNAPPY.

Fiona’s son Adam, who is 15, has been attending the sessions run by SNAPPY (Special Needs and Play Provision for York) since he was nine. Adam suffers from microcephaly, a condition in which the circumference of the head is smaller than normal because the brain has not developed properly or has stopped growing.

Fiona, 38, who lives in Dringhouses, said: “SNAPPY has been a lifeline for us. It is just so wonderful. SNAPPY runs a Saturday scheme which we have used for the last six years, as well as the holiday schemes over the school holidays.

“Child care provision is often really hard to find. Up to the age of 11 it is easier because special needs children are allowed to go to mainstream play schemes but they don’t take over-11s. SNAPPY take children from five to 19. “My husband, Rob, also works overseas for part of the year, so there are periods when I am a single mum.

“SNAPPY means that I can work part-time but also have a few hours to myself when I’m not working.”

Rob and Adam will be cheering her on in the race, which takes place on August 1. Fiona is aiming to raise £500 for SNAPPY.

Fiona said: “I hate running really, but I did the York 10K last year and I had a ball, I loved it. The reason I chose the York 10K was because I could run for the charity of my choice.”

This year’s course, which has been slightly altered since the inaugural event last year, will include part of the bar walls, through the historic entrance to Micklegate and past Clifford’s Tower.

The race will again start and finish at York Racecourse and take runners into the city centre, past York Minster and back along the riverside.

To support Fiona in the York 10K visit www.justgiving.com/Fiona-Sefton