Gateshead resident Hayley Hutchinson is preparing to lace up her trainers once again for the Great North Run 2025 – marking her 19th consecutive year running the world-famous half marathon. But this year is extra special, as it will also be Hayley’s 20th Great North Run overall, having first taken part as an 18-year-old back in the 1980s.
It’s an incredible achievement, 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, including Mind, Breast Cancer Awareness, Guide Dogs, the Air Ambulance Service, Bowel Cancer, Alzheimer’s Society, Tiny Lives, and the NSPCC, to name just a few.
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.
Despite undergoing chemotherapy and even recovering from a knee replacement in the past year, Hayley remains unstoppable. Her grit and positivity are truly inspiring.
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.
Every year, Hayley is cheered on by a strong circle of family and friends, with her daughter Lynsey Berry playing a vital role in supporting her preparations and making sure everything is in place for race day.
Hayley has no plans to hang up her running shoes any time soon. The feel-good factor of the GNR, combined with the chance to raise money for causes close to her heart, keeps her coming back year after year.
If you’d like to support Hayley in this year’s Great North Run and help her raise funds for the Chemo Day Unit at Gateshead Health, please visit Hayley’s JustGiving page.