STEVE THOMPSON’S ‘PERSONAL’ GREAT NORTH RUN
When Steve Thompson from Wallsend in North Tyneside signed up early this year to do the Great North Run for us, he was determined to achieve a strong time.
The 48-year-old even formed a running group with friends to help him train for the big day.
Unfortunately, Steve came down with a stomach bug just three days before the race and was unable to take part. It was a huge disappointment after working so hard to prepare for the run, so, along with his friends, he decided to complete the half marathon yesterday (Sunday 22 September)!
Steve says: “I couldn’t believe I was poorly and unable to run after working so hard to get fit for the day. These things happen but I wanted to do something to justify the sponsorship money from friends and family.
“Obviously, we couldn’t match the route exactly because they’re not likely to close the Central Motorway for just the four of us, but we managed to follow almost all of the course and made sure we hit 13.1 miles.”
He adds: “It’s not the way I imagined doing the run but I’m very glad we did it anyway. I was really proud to pull on my Sir Bobby vest and hopefully everyone who sponsored me will be pleased to know I challenged myself to complete the run.
“We lost my mother-in-law to cancer and it’s something that comes out of nowhere for far too many of us. So, I’m really proud to have raised some money for Sir Bobby’s Foundation and to have done my bit for the cause.”
Steve ran his half marathon in 2 hours and 7 minutes and raised over £600 to support our work. Despite this year’s set back, he plans to do the Great North Run next year.
Lady Elsie says: “I’m sorry that Steve missed doing the Great North Run ‘proper’ but I’m very impressed by his commitment to do the run anyway.
“Hopefully, next year, he’ll be able to do it on the same day as all the other runners and we’re grateful to everyone who supported his efforts this time around.”
If you’ve been inspired by Steve, why not challenge yourself and sign up to do the Great North Run in 2025?
Join our team before the end of September 2024 and get £10 off the registration fee using the discount code SEPT25 by clicking on this link and choosing The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation: https://charity.newcastle-hospitals.nhs.uk/get-involved/great-north-run-2025/
