Celebrating 45 years of the iconic half marathon from Newcastle to South Shields, this year’s event expects a record-breaking 63,000 runners.
Among them, over 80 participants are running for STS Charity over the weekend, raising funds to improve care and experiences for patients, families, and staff across the South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust.
That total includes 60 adults in the main event, 18 of them being STSFT colleagues, plus 26 Mini and Junior runners, many from staff families.
Among them is Jason Lewins, Application Development Officer at STSFT. He is running for STS Charity to support the Phoenix Unit at Sunderland Royal Hospital. He said:
I've decided to raise money for the Phoenix Unit which is the Trust's Chemotherapy, Haematology and Infusion Day Unit. Sunderland is recognised as a Cancer Unit and is part of the North of England Cancer Network.
“Over the years I have sadly had a number of family members pass away due to cancer, which is why I wanted to play my part in helping raise as much money as I can to help the unit continue their important work. I have never completed the GNR and thought what better way to challenge myself for a great cause!
Hayley Walton, Facilities Administration, System & Compliance Manager for Choice, is also running for STS Charity. Choice is a subsidiary company of STSFT. She said:
I'm really proud to be running the Great North Run this year in support of STS Charity. I first joined the Trust in 2009 and have worked in several departments over the years. Through those roles, I've seen first-hand just how hard the staff work every day and the incredible care and support they provide to patients and their families.
“I've also seen the difference STS Charity makes. From supporting patients and relatives to helping fund projects and enhancements that improve people's experiences, the impact can be felt across the organisation.
“Since joining Choice in 2021, I have continued to work closely alongside the Trust and regularly see the positive effect the Charity has on both patients and staff. It's something I've always really admired and why I've wanted to find a way to give back and show my appreciation for the important work it does.
“While I'm relatively new to running, it's become something I genuinely enjoy. It has helped me improve my physical wellbeing, so being able to combine a personal challenge with raising money for a cause I care about feels especially rewarding.
Shaun Wayman, Chief Finance Officer for Choice, is also running for STS Charity. He said:
I will be running the Great North run this year to raise money for STS Charity, with donations going to the Dementia fund. In memory of my Mam, Jean Wayman, and to recognise the great care she received whilst in Sunderland Royal Hospital, funds raised will help support future patients and their relatives who may attend hospital whilst living with dementia. Small changes can make such a difference.
Bridget Romano, Security Compliance Officer at STSFT, is taking part. She said:
I’m so proud to work for the NHS and I’m proud to be running for STS Charity who supports the Trust
Gavin McPake, Deputy Director of Finance, is running his first Great North Run in support of STS Charity. He said:
Hospitals are there for us during life's most important and challenging moments, and this is my chance to give something back. Any support, big or small, would mean so much.
Arrhythmia Specialist Nurse Ewan Wake is also running. He said:
I'm proud to be running the Great North Run in support of STS Charity. As an NHS healthcare professional, I see first-hand the difference the charity makes to patients, families and staff across our local community. The additional support and resources the charity provides can make a difficult time a little easier and have a real impact on people's experiences.
“Running is something I love, and having completed several half marathons, I wanted to run the GNR for a cause which I see the impact of every day. Knowing that every penny raised will help support local NHS services gives every mile extra meaning.
Annmarie Donaghy, Clinical Site Manager at STSFT, is also running for STS Charity. She shared:
I’ve chosen to run for STS Charity again this year. I ran for them last year, but this time I’ve roped in my husband Paul and our two children, Matthew and Abigail, to support me on the day as it can be emotionally tough running alone.
“STS Charity does so much for staff, from therapies to break rooms and other facilities. I truly believe our colleagues work incredibly hard and deserve all the support we can give.
STS Charity plays a vital role in helping to improve the experience of those who use and visit hospitals and community services in South Tyneside and Sunderland. The charity helps to fund improvements that wouldn’t normally be provided through NHS funding. More information is available at: [www.stsft.nhs.uk/our-charity]www.stsft.nhs.uk/our-charity
A number of colleagues and their families are also running for other causes close to their hearts. Katie Greig, Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Nurse in the Steps to Health team, is running for Mesothelioma UK. She said:
I love running and wanted to take part in the Great North Run for the second time with my husband Callum. We're running to raise money for Mesothelioma UK after my uncle, David Robinson, sadly died from Mesothelioma in August 2025. He was incredibly fit and ran Ultra Marathons, Ironman, triathlons and was a sprints coach. We're raising money for the charity that provided him with education, support groups and directed him to clinical trials.
Louise Harrison, Healthcare Assistant at STSFT, is running for St Benedict’s Hospice, she shared:
I'm running for St Benedict's Hospice. I ran for them last year in loving memory of my father in-law who sadly passed away to pancreatic cancer. I ran this last year alongside others who work for Sunderland Academy as my father in-law Carlton Fairweather was a coach there. We raised over £15,000 altogether!
“This year, I’m running for St Benedict’s Hospice because it’s incredibly rewarding to know that I’m helping make a difference to people and families who need support. It’s a cause that means a lot to me, and I’m proud to do my part to help such an important local charity.
Sophia Hallway, Healthcare Assistant at STSFT is running for Parkinson’s UK. She shared:
I decided to take part in the Great North Run for my great uncle Ronnie who has Parkinson’s so i am fundraising for Parkinson's UK. My great uncle Ronnie never fails to amaze me as no matter what challenges gets thrown at him, he always has a huge smile on his face and for that he will forever be my biggest inspiration.
“Parkinson's not only affects movement but independence, confidence and everyday quality of life so I am feeling incredibly grateful that I am in a position to be able to run a half marathon and make him proud!
The half marathon route passes the gates of South Tyneside District Hospital, where additional staff will be on hand in A&E to support any runners who become unwell or injured.
Meanwhile, Trust volunteers will help staff the field hospital near the finish line on the South Shields seafront, providing care to those who need it after completing the race.
