Running for Greatness: Georgina and Matilda Luca Ryder

As this year’s AJ Bell Great Manchester Run weekend approaches – we’re shining a spotlight on some of our inspiring participants who are running for more than the medal when they lace up their trainers.

Meet Georgina aged 8 and Matilda aged 4, who will be running the Mini Great Manchester Run on Saturday 17th May. Their inspiration comes from a place of love, remembrance, and kindness.

They will be running in memory of their big brother, Lucas Alexander, and will be raising money for the Liverpool Women’s Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit who looked after their brother as part of their school’s kindness project to help others.

On May 7th, 2015, Lucas was born 16 weeks early, weighing just 1lb 6oz. Despite his tiny size, he was full of life and quickly became known for his strong spirit and wriggly nature in the hospital.

Lucas spent 19 precious days surrounded by the love of his parents, family, and friends. During this time, the Liverpool Women’s Charity provided vital support, offering accommodation and funding life-saving equipment for families like theirs.

This year, Lucas would have turned 10 years old. To honour his memory and raise awareness of child loss, Georgina and Matlida are taking on their first-ever Great Manchester Mini Run—an event they believe Lucas would have loved to do alongside them.

Although the girls are new to running events, their family has a strong history with the Great Run series. Their parents have taken part in events like the Great Manchester Half, the Great North Run, and Great Swims. Their Uncle James even ran the Great Manchester 10K while Lucas was in hospital. Now, it’s Georgina and Matilda’s turn to step up and take on their biggest running challenge yet.

The girls love being outside and running around, making this event an exciting new challenge. While it will be their longest run yet, they’re eager to take on the course, inspired by their dad, who completed the London Marathon last year.

The funds they raise will help provide life-saving equipment, support research, and ensure that families can stay close to their critically ill children. For them, this run isn’t just about reaching the finish line – it’s about making a difference in the lives of others, just as the charity once did for their family.

As they take on this challenge in memory of Lucas, Georgina and Matilda have one simple piece of advice: ‘Come and run with us!’

Be part of the action! Places for the 10K, Half Marathon and Junior & Mini kids events are expected to sell out in advance once again, so act fast to secure your spot on the start line.