The annual AJ Bell Junior and Mini Great North Run, one of the UK’s biggest kids’ running took place on 9 September. Six of the participants took on the scenic Quayside route to raise money for QE Charitable Funds. Collectively our junior and mini’s raised over £1455.60.
One mini runner, Rosie, was born almost 8 weeks early due to complications during her mother’s pregnancy. Rosie was treated in the Queen Elizabeth (QE) Hospital’s Special Care Baby Unit and was raising funds for the unit as a thank you.
Rosie’s mam Clare said, “Rosie received outstanding care during the first few weeks of her life and we are hoping to give a little something back to the department to show how grateful we are for all they did for us!”
Junior runner Oliver, ran on behalf of the QE’s Paediatrics Fund. Oliver’s mam Jemma works as a paediatric sister on the unit and chose to support their fund which is currently looking to buy new toys and equipment with the donations.
Oliver said, “My Mam works very hard with all of her friends. They all had to go to work during COVID to help the poorly babies and children while we got to stay home and stay safe. I didn’t get to complete the run in 2022 due to it being cancelled so I am doing it this year 2023.”
The run itself is challenging enough with mini runners taking on a 1.4km route and juniors doing a 4km run. However, things were made harder with the intense weather as the blistering sun challenged our runners even more. Despite all this, our juniors and minis overcame the obstacles and completed their runs making everyone incredibly proud. We appreciate all of their effort in raising money and awareness for QE Charitable Funds.
Although the 2023 Junior and Mini Great North Run has now passed you can still donate to our runners. Find their Just Giving pages on our Great North Run news post.
Have you been inspired to take on the Junior or Mini Great North Run next year? Be sure to email [email protected] to reserve your place for 2024.
