It is officially Great North Run week, with 99 runners set to take on Great Run events on behalf of Gateshead Health Charity across the weekend.
With record-breaking numbers set to represent the Charity, we take a look at some of the inspirational people going above and beyond to support 23 departments and causes.
Amongst the 76 runners taking on the 13.1 miles of the main event from Newcastle to South Shields on Sunday 13 September, many are running with deeply personal and inspiring stories.
Beth Swanson
Beth Swanson is Gateshead Health’s Chief Nurse and has seen first-hand the impact that Gateshead Health Charity funding has on making the healthcare experience even better for patients, families, and staff across the Trust.
Not one to lead from behind, Beth is leading by example and donning her running shoes to raise money for the cause. She has even roped in her husband, Neil Swanson, to join her on the run. Neil is raising money for Gateshead Health Charity to support the Cardiology department.
Beth said:
The funding provided by Gateshead Health Charity allows us to go above and beyond for our community, adding those extra special touches that put the icing on the cake and turn a good hospital experience into an exceptional one.
“Our teams deliver outstanding care day in, day out. Running the Great North Run to fundraise for our Trust is a way of giving a little bit back. Roping my husband into the 13.1 miles was the easy part, now we just have to get across the finish line in South Shields!”
Arya Hashemi
Arya Hashemi is taking on this year’s Great North Run in memory of his late wife Kelly, raising money for Gateshead Health Charity to support St Bede’s Palliative Care Unit.
On 7 July 2025, Kelly Hashemi, wife of Arya and mother to a daughter, sadly passed away at St Bede’s Palliative Care Unit following a three-year battle with ovarian cancer.
Following the care Kelly and her family received, Arya decided he wanted to give something back. He has already raised more than £5,500, with fundraising continuing ahead of race day.
Arya spoke movingly about the profound impact St Bede’s had on his family during Kelly’s final months:
“St Bede’s is very close to our hearts. They became like an extended family to us. The staff gave every part of themselves to make Kelly more comfortable while she was there. They provided us with a huge amount of support, and it’s something that I will be forever grateful for and will never forget.”
Hayleigh Hutchinson
Hayley Hutchinson is raising money for Gateshead Health Charity to support the Chemo Day Unit.
Just two days after completing the 2024 event, Hayley was diagnosed with breast cancer, news that would stop many in their tracks. But not Hayley.
More determined than ever, she has no plans to hang up her running shoes any time soon and remains eager to keep fundraising and making a difference.
Support Hayley
Charlotte Tomlinson
Charlotte is taking on the Great North Run this September to give back to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s IVF unit, the team that helped create her family.
Back in the summer of 2019, Charlotte and David turned to the QE in Gateshead after several heartbreaking, unsuccessful rounds of IVF elsewhere. From their very first meeting, they found not only clinical excellence but a deeply compassionate team that listened and made them feel genuinely supported.
Fast forward seven years, Charlotte and David are now the proud parents of two boys, Ted and Angus, thanks to the dedicated care and expertise of the unit.
Charlotte is now eager to soak up the famous race-day atmosphere while raising vital funds and awareness so that other parents can experience the same life-changing care.
Junior & Mini Great North Run
Before the main event on Sunday, we will also be well represented at Saturday’s Junior & Mini Great North Run by 23 young runners taking on their own personal challenges for the Charity.
Molly Muldoon
Molly Muldoon is running in the AJ Bell Junior & Mini Great North Run, fundraising for Gateshead Health Charity to support the Surgery Centre.
Molly’s mother, Amy, is the Director of Operations within the Division of Surgery, Women’s Health and Children and knows just how important the centre is to patients, families, and staff. Molly hopes to support and improve the experience of everyone accessing care at the Surgery Centre.
This challenge is especially meaningful for Molly, who was born at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and is proud to call Gateshead home.
This marks the highest number of fundraisers the Charity has ever seen for the event, highlighting the incredible backing from staff, patients, and members of the local community. Their dedication reflects a shared commitment to supporting Gateshead’s NHS services and improving health and wellbeing across the region.
Thank you to every single runner for your commitment, resilience, and fundraising achievements.