Shine marathon runners are Bright-On!
The charity Shine has only 5 places remaining for runners eager to race in the third annual Brighton Marathon.
The general entry for the 2012 race is now closed with 18,000 runners already signed up. All remaining places are only available by securing a charity place.
Spina bifida • Hydrocephalus • Information • Networking • Equality – SHINE is the only charity dedicated to supporting individuals and families as they face the challenges of living with spina bifida and hydrocephalus.
James Cowing, who has hydrocephalus and is one such beneficiary of the support offered by Shine, will be running the Brighton Marathon for Shine and wants everyone to know of the support the charity provides.
“Shine do such great work for everyone living with hydrocephalus and spina bifida. By running the marathon and raising funds, I would like to be a part of making sure this vital work continues and encourage other runners to take up one of the 5 remaining Shine places.”
This is a great opportunity to fundraise for Shine and make a real difference in the lives of all the babies, children and adults that benefit from Shine’s services.
The Brighton Marathon is now in the top 12 running events in the UK and the Olympic year of 2012 is going to be their biggest year to date with 20% more competitors than in previous years.
Runners that commit to running for Shine will be fully supported by our Fundraising Team, each receiving a fundraising pack, a Shine running vest and online fundraising facilities.
Anyone interested in signing up or finding out more should contact Cerys Long on 01733 421329 or email
James Cowing is happy to offer more information to interested media and can be contacted via Shine Marketing and Communications Officer, Tom Scott, on 01733 421361, 07769 217050 or
Notes to Editors:
1. Spina Bifida • Hydrocephalus • Information • Networking • Equality - SHINE was launched at the organisation’s national headquarters in Peterborough on OCTOBER 20th 2011.
2. Shine is the new name for the Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus.
3. Shine provides services via specialist professionals throughout Wales
4. As part of the new image Shine aims to build a vibrant presence and a strong voice for the community of around 75,000 individuals in the UK who either have these conditions or who provide support, care and specialist services
5. Hydrocephalus affects 1 in 1000 babies born in the UK, often resulting from prematurity where the vulnerable infant brain is subject to bleeds and internal damage which can lead to hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus can also occur at any time in life following illness or injury. Once an often fatal condition, hydrocephalus is now treated with a shunt, a surgically fitted device in the brain which drains away excess fluid.
6. Spina bifida is a Neural Tube Defect NTD). It is the most commonly occurring serious birth defect that is compatible with life. As the baby’s neural tube (developing spinal cord) is forming a fault occurs which means it is left ‘open’. This occurs before day 28 of pregnancy which means it is essential that women take folic acid (which protects against such defects) ideally 3 months before conception.
7. The majority of parents (80%+) told their pregnancy is affected by spina bifida elect to have a termination – a traumatic and often psychologically damaging experience where they have to give birth to the well developed foetus. Many of the estimated 800 women every year who go through this would be spared this heart-breaking experience if statutory authorities would put more into the Folic Acid message – something the World Health Authority urges all Governments to address.. Shine campaigns continually for better awareness and behaviour change. See www.gofolic.co.uk
8. For Shine photos available for media use - please click here!