Gateshead Health Charity runners have raised more than £36,000 following the completion of the 45th AJ Bell Great North Run on Sunday.
It was a special weekend for the charity, as a record-breaking number of runners (76) donned their bright orange t-shirts and ran from the heart of Newcastle to South Shields, supporting 23 departments and causes within Gateshead Health.
Twenty-three runners also participated in the Junior & Mini Great North Run on behalf of the charity, soaking up the famous Great North Run atmosphere.
Arya Hashemi, who was running in memory of his late wife Kelly, has raised over £7,500 for St Bede’s Palliative Care Unit.
Reflecting on the race itself and what it means to have raised such an incredible amount of money, Arya said:
“I feel amazing. It was incredibly emotional all the way through. The noise from the crowd gave me huge strength. It was unlike anything I’ve done before.
“It was the most amazing run, and my wife told me it was one of the best things she ever did. She encouraged me to do it, and having just completed it in an amazing time for me, I know she would be incredibly proud.
“It means a huge amount. St Bede’s gave us such amazing help at a really difficult time and this is a small way of repaying both St Bede’s and the Trust.
Arran Stephenson, who completed the Great North Run dressed as Batman, has paid tribute to his late father Wallace, who sadly passed away in June 2026 at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
“The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, my son was born there, we’ve all been there and then looking after my dad, Wallace Stephenson, the legend.
“A lot of people wrote a lot of nice things about my dad, and a lot of it was talking about how he was like a superhero to them when they were kids. The support I got today was immense, especially in that last mile. I felt like a superstar. It was such a special day.”
Kris Mackenzie, Group Director of Finance for Gateshead Health, and Executive Lead for Charity said:
The atmosphere at this year’s Great North Run was fantastic, and to achieve our most successful fundraising total ever makes it even more special. Hearing the personal motivations behind our runners, from Arya’s tribute at St Bede’s to Arran’s tribute to his father, reminds us why this event matters so much. It’s one of the reasons I have already signed up for the 2027 event myself.
“To raise over £36,000 is an incredible testament to the generosity of our supporters and the grit of our runners. You do not need to be an experienced athlete to make a difference; whether you want to achieve a personal goal or support a cause close to your heart, we would love to welcome you to team Gateshead for 2027. I cannot wait to see our orange t-shirts back on the start line next year.”
Our places for the 2027 Great North Run are now open, if you want to take on the famous race for a good cause and without the stress of the ballot, you can sign up directly with us and your place is guaranteed. Adult Great North Run 2027 Registration Form (securing a place via Gateshead Health Charity)
2027 runners who sign up before the end of September get and early bird offer of just £60 per place by completing the form and paying a £20.00 deposit to secure their place.
You can then choose to:
- Pay two further monthly instalments of £20.00
- Or pay an upfront payment of £40.00
You do not need to be an experienced runner. Many people do the Great North Run to fundraise, have fun, achieve a fitness goal, and join an amazing running community, no matter their experience or ability.
Thank you to the following organisations for their generosity and support at this year’s AJ Bell Great North Run.
- QE Facilities Catering Team
- Brakes Foodservice
- Coop Funeralcare – Windy Nook
- Coop Distribution Centre – Birtley
- Asda – Felling
- Tesco – Gateshead