How the Great North Run is for everyone

At Martin House, running with our team is for everyone, no matter who you are. And while the Great North Run is the world’s biggest half marathon, with over 60,000 runners, each runner has their own inspiration for hitting the pavement to make a difference.  This year, meet some of our incredible supporters who are lacing up for Martin House!

Meet Leanne

For Leanne, running the Great North Run for Martin House pays homage to a personal connection with the hospice. Leanne’s daughter Lorelei came to Martin House for end-of-life care, following unsuccessful chemotherapy treatment for a tumour in her brain stem.

“Staying at Martin House meant we could be together as a family of four while Lorelei was getting the care she needed.”

A year after Lorelei died, Leanne gave birth to another daughter shortly before COVID hit. While navigating a newborn and having to home-school her son during a global pandemic, Leanne’s mental health started to suffer.

“This is when I started running again. It did wonders for my mental health; I started feeling like me again.”

Leanne joined a running club, which is where she was encouraged to sign up to a half marathon. Leanne chose to run for Martin House to say thank you for the support her and her family received over the years since Lorelei died.

“If you have been considering running for Martin House, then go for it. You won’t regret it. It doesn’t matter if you are an established runner or a beginner you will be supported along the way.”

Meet Abigail

Abigail previously worked at Martin House, so is using the Great North Run as a platform to share her experience far and wide of seeing first-hand how the care at Martin House impacts so many families.

“While working at Martin House, I quickly realised that every single member of the care team was simply incredible. They are warm, compassionate and totally unaware of just how remarkable they are – I’m in awe of how they support families across Yorkshire.”

Abigail will be running with her partner Phil and friend Nick which has helped to keep her motivated to train for the half marathon. There’s also a strong camaraderie between the other Martin House runners and the events team, meaning there’s plenty of tips and tricks to share should they need any.

“It is a wonderful feeling knowing you are doing your part for an amazing cause, and all while proving to yourself that you really can do whatever you put your mind to!”

Meet Tracey

Tracey signed up to the Great North Run inspired by her nephew Caleb, sister Zoe and brother-in-law Jason who are supported by Martin House for respite and medical care. Caleb has a rare genetic condition which means he relies on his parents for everyday care.

“He has an infectious laugh and smile, and he can melt anyone’s heart.”

Tracey is new to running, having had no previous experience of a half marathon before.

“I started with the Couch to 5k in January and boy, I was so unfit I couldn’t even run 90 seconds without feeling breathless. Twelve weeks later, I now regularly run 5k during the week and on weekends I’ve been trying to push myself further.”

Tracey knows it will be no easy challenge to complete the Great North Run but takes inspiration from the fact her family overcome challenges with Caleb’s care every single day.

“I may not be the fittest or the fastest runner but that’s not my aim. My end goal is to complete the 13.1 miles and raise as much money as possible.”

Feeling inspired to take on your own running challenge? Register your interest for the next Great North Run here.

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