Fundraiser in memory of Scarborough runner Rob Lawty raises over £2,000

Run4Rob saw more than 200 people pulling on their trainers in memory of dad-of-two Rob Lawty from Snainton.

As reported by The Scarborough News, the 55-year-old Scarborough TEC programme leader was out exercising with Ryedale Runners club when he collapsed and died after suffering a heart attack last year.

Club leader Julia Webb, who was one of those running with Rob when he died, came up with Run4Rob – inviting people to run, cycle and walk 10k in Rob’s memory.

She has now presented the total - £2,026 - to Scarborough and Ryedale Mountain Rescue Team.

Rob was a keen supporter of the team, whose headquarters is in Snainton and, as well as paramedics, one of their rescue volunteers came to help when Rob collapsed.

“Rob was a keen runner, cyclist and countryman who enjoyed competing in many races and he could often be found out exploring in the countryside with his family,” she said.

“He was a caring and loving husband, dad, grandad and son who would do anything for anyone. He had the great ability of lighting up a room with his cheeky grin and sense of humour.”

Julia said she had no idea how many people would sign up for the event, especially considering it was held in the middle of the pandemic lockdown, but thought that anything raised would help to remember Rob and support the team.

She said she was pleasantly surprised to find more than 200 people wanted to take part, including some from as far away as Norway.