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20
Apr 2021
Last Updated: 20/04/2021
Ripon grandma 'rattling and crackling' on charity 30km run
Joy Kalus, 75, suffers from severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, osteoarthritis and viral heart failure. But she is determined to complete 30km in 30 days by running laps of Ripon rugby field to raise money for charity.
Joy Kalus is taking on the challenge.
A Ripon grandma with no running experience and severe health conditions has embarked on a mission to run 30 kilometres to raise money for a children's charity.
Joy Kalus, 75, suffers from severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which causes breathing difficulties, disabling osteoarthritis and is recovering from viral heart failure.
Despite all these ailments, the former British Rail worker is determined to complete her challenge within 30 days.
She aims to do so by running laps of Ripon rugby field. Money raised will go to the NSPCC.
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In just one day, Joy has already beaten her £120 target. So far she has raised £245. Click or tap here to donate on JustGiving.
The cause is close to Joy's heart. Ten years ago she flew to Brazil to help children on the streets and orphanages.
Joy, who has two daughters and is a grandmother to three boys, said:
"I am just an old lady rattling on to do her best. I can only trot about 25 steps at a time at a time before I start flapping my arms so I look like I am taking off.
"Osteoarthritis has made most of my joints swell. So everything is rattling and crackling as I move.
"I’ve never run before but that isn’t going to stop me. It’s more of a trot because I can’t breathe well.
"But I always tell my daughters they can do anything if they are determined enough. So can I.
"I don’t care how old I am, or what illnesses I am suffering from. Even if it takes me all year I’ll get there."
Daughter Lisa Bradley, 43, said:
”Both my sister Suzanne and I are so unbelievably proud. Our mum has always been a force to be reckoned with.
"When she first told me I thought she was mad, but she laced up her trainers and off she went. She really is our inspiration.”
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