Words by Smiley Team
Thousands came out on the streets of Tyneside, North East England, on Sunday to run in the world’s most attended half marathon. About 57,000 people registered to join and millions of pounds were raised for charity, according to the organisers.
From among those who ran in this 40th event, we heard from some of the inspiring and dedicated runners who helped fundraise for the charities involved.
Chris Hebden, from Driffield, decided to take on the challenge for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) after her son, Jack, underwent treatment for a rare condition that causes his heart to beat too fast.
“I’m doing this all because of Jack,” she said. “Although it’s been tough, I’m so proud of the way he’s dealt with his condition, and the care he’s received from the team at Leeds has been outstanding. It’s incredible to know that by raising money for the BHF, this will help fund even more research into heart conditions.”
To support Chris’s efforts, donate to the British Heart Foundation here.
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After his mum passed away due to a stroke in 2014, Ellis Redmond was inspired to join the run in aid of the Stroke Association and for the stroke survivors they support.
Although his mum couldn’t be saved, Ellis explained that many depend on organisations like the Stroke Association after they’ve experienced this life-changing medical condition. Thanks to the charity’s work, survivors can learn to enjoy life despite any damage to their brains.
So Ellis was glad to be able to support their efforts, saying: “If my mum had survived, I know I would have really appreciated someone raising funds for her support via the charity. So that was my thought process behind joining the run.”
To support Ellis’s efforts, donate to the Stroke Association here.
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Joining the event for babies’ health charity Tommy’s, Ben Newth from Nottingham had a personal reason to participate. He explained: “Tommy’s fund research into pregnancy, births and deaths. I have had family members who have experienced that sort of thing so it felt like a good charity to get behind.”
As a relatively experienced runner, he has joined similar events in the past and will run in the London Marathon for another children’s charity supporting vulnerable young people in Africa, Chance for Childhood.
“I have three children of my own, who are happy and healthy and so it feels apt to support more vulnerable children,” he added.
To support Ben’s efforts, donate to Tommy’s here.
The television presenter and ambassador for mental health charity Mind, Matt Johnson, also joined the half marathon for strong personal motivations.
Explaining what prompted him to take on the Great North Run, he said: “In my early twenties, I nearly took my own life – having experienced what I know now to have been depression from a young age.
“A decade on, I’ve found coping mechanisms that work for me – from regular exercise, to a method called “The check in.” However, it’s fair to say the last 18 months have been a rollercoaster of emotions for us all and this is what led me to decide to run the Great North Run for Mind.”
To support Matt’s efforts, donate to Mind here.
