Gateshead Health Charity will have its record number of participants for this year’s AJ Bell Great North Run events, with more than 50 runners lacing up to raise vital funds for the charity. This marks the highest ever number of fundraisers for the charity, demonstrating an incredible show of support from staff and patients, who want to support their local NHS and the health of the whole Gateshead community.
The fundraising efforts will kick off this Saturday, 6 September, with nine young fundraisers taking part in the AJ Bell Junior & Mini Great North Run. The team includes three Juniors (aged 9 to 16) and six Minis (aged 3 to 8).
Siblings Jay, Eva, and Molly will be taking part in their first ever Great North Run events across the weekend, with one in each of the mini, junior and adult races, to raise money for the Surgical Division. As Gateshead residents who were both born at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Eva and Molly will join their big brother Jay to help improve the patient journey for those accessing care.
Renée has run the Junior Great North Run for the last six years. This year, the young fundraiser will run for the Maternity department because she knows that safe delivery and first moments with your baby/babies is so important to begin the adventure of life. Renée states: “I would like to give back to the service who safely delivered a beautiful little family member of mine this year. Everyone works so hard all the time and give their all in what they do, whilst always wearing a smile, even when things are difficult. If I can help, even in a small way, I would be happy to do so.”
On Sunday, 7 September, a team of dedicated adult runners will take on the iconic 13.1 mile challenge of the AJ Bell Great North Run. Among them are several individuals with inspiring and personal missions.
Hayley Hutchinson, who recently completed chemotherapy for breast cancer, is set to complete her 20th Great North Run. Her remarkable achievement highlights an incredible story of determination and hope, but what makes Hayley’s story even more remarkable is the unwavering dedication she’s shown to raising money for charity year after year.
Since 2006, she has run in aid of numerous important causes, this year, Hayley is proudly running for Gateshead Health Charity, raising funds in support of the Chemo Day Unit, a service that has become personally significant. Just two days after completing the 2024 GNR, Hayley was diagnosed with breast cancer, news that would stop many in their tracks. But not Hayley. Far from slowing her down, the diagnosis has only fired up her determination to keep running and fundraising.
Hayley said: “People tell me I’m an inspiration. I don’t feel like I am, I want to keep running, stay fit and healthy, and feel young. The feeling I get from running marathons is amazing.
Kris Mackenzie, Executive Lead for Gateshead Health Charity, is also running. Kris said: “As the Executive Lead for Gateshead Health Charity, I felt it was time to put my money where my mouth is. I’m running to raise vital funds that help us go beyond what the NHS can provide, enhancing the experience for both our incredible staff and the patients we care for every day. Every donation helps us make Gateshead Health the best place to work and the best place to receive care.”
Karen Parker, Associate Director of Midwifery and SCBU, is running to support the Maternity Unit. She explained how charitable funds make a real difference: “We use our charitable funds to do the little extras to make our service extra special for our families, such as recent murals to brighten up the corridor leading to our maternity operating theatre and murals to welcome our families and new babies. We are so grateful for all of the support our teams receive from our families and we are proud of the care that we provide.”
Funds raised will also support other key areas, including Urgent and Emergency Care. Alex Diggles is running to help purchase a new specialised camera to diagnose eye problems in the Same Day Emergency Care unit and to further improve break facilities for staff.
“We are overwhelmed by the dedication and support of every single person taking part,” Clare Drummond, Charity Manager said “Their commitment will directly contribute to making Gateshead Health an even better place for our staff to work and for our patients to receive care. We wish all our runners the very best of luck and thank them for their incredible efforts.”
Gateshead Health Charity supports Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust by funding projects that enhance the patient and staff experience. For more information or to donate, please visit our charity website.