400 run in tribute to Newbury Marathon man

Some came wearing the blue and orange of his chosen charity, the National Osteoporosis Society, and others turned out to donate some cash to the cause - but all were there to run the 5k in memory of father-of-two and Newbury man Robert Berry.
Mr Berry, aged 42, of Paddock Road, collapsed as he crossed the finishing line of the 26.2-mile road race on Sunday, April 13 and died later that same day at St Mary’s Hospital, London.
He was running for the National Osteoporosis Society on behalf of his mother Ann, aged 72, of West Sussex, who has lived with the brittle bone condition for two decades.
Parkrun event director, Rachael Elliot, said that they decided to hold a parkrun event in Mr Berry's memory as he had run the event several times in the past - even clocking a sub-20 minute time previously.
She said that this was the third highest attendance since Newbury parkrun began two years ago - the other two which attracted more were because three neighbouring parkruns were flooded.
She said: “The thing about this parkrun is that it attracts lots of families and there are some really strong friendships that are found at it - it has got a good community around it.
"When we found out that Rob was part of this group we were really sad to hear it and thought we had to do something.
“A lot of people also knew him personally so they were very keen that we did it.
"People are pulling together and runners always look after runners.
"It was a lovely morning and a real celebration of Rob's life.”
On the day, runners raised £309.54.
As of 11am yesterday (Wednesday), no fewer than 6,225 people from all around the world had donated to his page, bringing the total to £73,910.
His page is still open for donations at

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