TEARS FOR MARATHON MAN TARLING

By Martin Walker

Sean Tarling was in tears as he completed his marathon in memory of Frank Swinburne.

The 28-year-old former Aycliffe skipper completed a 25.5-mile run from Northallerton to Moore Lane Park in four-and-a-half hours – and looks to have smashed his target by raising more than £1,500.

Aycliffe have already raised more than £3,000 from fundraising exploits last weekend, which saw 16 people walk and cycle the same route, meaning the whole effort could raise close to £5,000 in total.

The cash will be split between Aycliffe FC and Macmillan Cancer Care, at the request of the Swinburne family.

Tarling cut an emotional figure as he hobbled towards the MLP ground from the Sports Club on his final lap of a gruelling run.

“All I could think of was Frankie,” said Tarling. “He’s simply the best – it’s been an emotional day.”

More on this to follow soon…