A GREAT TIME FOR A PROPOSAL!

Many runners find themselves overcome with emotion during the AJ Bell Great North Run and for Chloe Miller, running for our Foundation after the loss of her dad to cancer in June, it was always going to be an emotional day.

Knowing this her partner, Stuart Ford, from Darlington, also signed up for the run to offer her support.

However, Chloe wasn’t aware that when Stuart prepared his running kit the night before the big day, he also packed an engagement ring, which he carefully carried all around the 13.1mile route.

Then, to Chloe’s absolute amazement, Stuart proposed at the end of the run in our Foundation’s tent.

It was a beautiful moment for the couple after a difficult year and our other supporters who saw the proposal were very moved by the romantic gesture.

Chloe, 34 from Newcastle says: “The Great North Run was a hugely emotional and very special day for me. Stu is in no way a runner but he knew it would be a tough day for me and said he’d do the run to support me.

“I think I was the first of the Sir Bobby runners to finish, certainly the first in the tent. Stu wasn’t all that far behind me and I was thrilled to see him, and then the next moment he was on his knees with the ring. It was completely unexpected and I think we spent about five minutes hugging and crying!

“He’d bought a special running vest for the run with pockets and I’d been taking the mick out of him for it. It was only afterwards I realised that was so he could bring the ring safely around with him and he said he was constantly feeling the pocket to make sure it was still in there.

“It was lovely to share the moment in the tent with Sir Bobby’s family and the other runners. Stu told me he’d wanted to propose for a while and was just waiting for the right moment.”

Chloe with her dad, John, at Wembley

Chloe’s dad, John Miller, received treatment at the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre at the Northern Centre for Cancer Care, Freeman Hospital in Newcastle.

Patients come from across the North East and Cumbria for treatment at the centre, which offers hope for people with advanced cancer. The research and clinical trials undertaken there are part of long-term national and international efforts into the disease.

As well as initially equipping the centre, our Foundation also funds trainee posts for both a doctor and nurse specialising in clinical drug trials within it and specialist posts providing patients with occupational therapy, complementary therapy and a dietician.

Chloe adds: “The team at the Sir Bobby Centre are absolutely amazing and I remember they all sang Happy Birthday to my dad when he turned 71.

“I knew I wanted to do the Great North Run for The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation because of the care my dad received and, when I told him what I was doing, he was really proud and really happy. He’d done the run himself and he gave me his last Great North Run top from the 1980’s.

“Dad had been told three years ago that the cancer was incurable but the drug trial at the Sir Bobby Centre gave us all hope. It didn’t work out for him but it might for someone else, and that time we had together was special to us.

“In fact, when my dad was diagnosed he was told he only had around 10-12 months. But he gave it an almighty fight and passed over three years later. He was so strong, a fighter, and my hero.

“I know, if he’d still been here, he’d have been cheering me on at the Great North Run and I only wish we could share our wedding plans with him now.

“I grew up going to Newcastle games with my dad and Stuart’s also a big fan. We go to matches whenever we can get tickets and we all loved Sir Bobby. It was such an honour to run for his Foundation and I’ll be doing it again next year.”

Andrew with the happy couple

Andrew Robson, Sir Bobby’s son, was one of the volunteers in the tent providing refreshments for the runners and was delighted for Chloe and Stuart.

Andrew says: “Everyone in the tent was absolutely thrilled by the proposal and it was such a beautiful moment.

“There were more than a few teary eyes and a lot of love and hugs. My family and I wish Stuart and Chloe all the luck in the world.”

Chloe and Stuart raised almost £850 to support the work of our Foundation.

If you’ve been inspired by their story, why not get involved next year? We have places available to do the Great North Run 2025 and for more information and to register, please visit: https://charity.newcastle-hospitals.nhs.uk/get-involved/great-north-run-2025/