SIR BOBBY’S VERY SPECIAL GREAT NORTH RUNNERS

Sophie Thompson and Paulina Dudynska will both be taking on their first Great North Run this September – and they are running for a cause they see making a difference every day.

The pair both work at the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre, where Sophie is a Research Nurse and Paulina is a Junior Biomedical Technician.

They are running for our Foundation knowing that the patients they work with every day will provide all the motivation they need to complete the famous half marathon.

Sophie, aged 27 from North Shields, has worked in the Sir Bobby Robson Centre for three years and previously worked in the chemotherapy day unit at the Northern Centre for Cancer Care.

At the Sir Bobby Robson Centre, she works directly with patients undertaking a clinical trial of a new cancer drug, sharing information about trials, giving the drugs, making appointments and taking research samples.

Sophie says: “I’ve always been interested in clinical trials. It’s good to feel part of a bigger picture and to be doing something positive about cancer and I know a lot of our patients feel that way too.

“I’ve talked to them about the run and they’re grateful we’re raising money for the Foundation because it’s for the future. So often, that’s why our patients are on a clinical trial, to do something today that will help improve future cancer outcomes.

“I think the run will be an emotional day and it’s also my birthday, so it will be extra special for me!”

The Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre was officially opened by Sir Bobby in February 2009 and he was one of the first patients to receive treatment there.

Around 400 patients with non-curative cancer are referred to the centre from across the North East and Cumbria each year and there are currently 30 early phase clinical drug trials active.

Paulina is 23-years-old and from Poland originally. Now living in Newcastle, she completed a Biomedical Science degree at Northumbria University last year and this is her first role within healthcare.

Her role includes processing research samples to ensure they are stable before sending them off to the relevant UK or international laboratory, and creating ‘bundles’ for nurses to use on each trial that comprise detailed information, blood collection tubes and instructions for biopsies.

Paulina says: “My university course had a module about clinical trials and drug design and I found it absolutely fascinating. In fact, I was in the middle of studying it when I saw this job at the Sir Bobby Robson Centre being advertised and that’s really why I applied for it.

“I’ve always wanted to work in healthcare and do something meaningful to help patients through research and trials. Working here every day feels like more than treating cancer. The team work really hard to help improve our patients’ quality of life through all round support.

“This is my first job in healthcare and I’m so impressed by how committed to trials everyone at the centre is. The dedication of the staff and patients together is amazing.”

If you would like to join Sophie and Paulina and raise funds for our Foundation, we have Great North Run places available. To register or for more information: https://charity.newcastle-hospitals.nhs.uk/get-involved/campaigns/great-north-run-2023/