14 Great North Runners in aid of our Hospice

The Great North Run has decades of history and the event provides a platform for runners and charities to raise millions of pounds for worthwhile causes every year. About 60,000 people took part in the 41st Great North Run and people joined a minute's silence for the Queen at the start.
 
In aid of our Hospice, 14 runners attended and finished the race with success and raised a great amount for local hospice care.
 
Some of them told us about why they chose us as their charity and their experience.
 
Simon Speight: “I was so pleased to take part in the Great North Run to raise funds for such a wonderful cause. The Prince of Wales Hospice looked after my sister who lost a short battle with brain cancer last year. I was due to run it last year and the week before I was critically ill and I’ve fought back so I can pick up where I left off raising as much money as I can for the Hospice.”
“The big day came on Sunday, and I did it, I completed the Great North Run in 2 hours and 30 minutes. I’ve now raised a total of £3,260 so far by attending a series of challenges including Sunday’s events, and I will not stop raising more money for such a great cause. I am blown away by the amount of support I’ve had and cannot thank people enough.” 
 
James Parkinson: “I was running the Great North Run for different reasons. First being that in the past, the Hospice was fantastic in the care they provided for my grandmother as she entered the last stages of her life. Also, as a Headteacher for a Trust in Pontefract we have supported the Hospice with many fundraisers, I felt this was a good personal challenge for myself to hopefully raise the needed donations for the Hospice.”
“It was definitely a gruelling run and my legs are paying for it now. I managed to complete the distance in 1hour and 46 minutes which I’m quite pleased with, and currently raised £420.”
 
Amanda Hutchinson:  “I learnt how important fund raising was to the Hospice from a young age as my grandparents lived very close to the Hospice in Pontefract. Since then my husband has raised funds for the Hospice, completing more challenges. My son raised funds for the Hospice during lockdown, becoming a Hospice Hero. They inspired me to take my turn. This was my first half marathon and I couldn’t think of a worthier charity to run for.”
“I had a brilliant day. The crowd support and celebrating how much money raised at each mile marker helped me along. I am proud to have raised £1166 for local hospice care, and to finish in 2 hours 28 minutes.”
 
Alyson Hanley: “I was running in memory of my sister Karen Hill who died of breast cancer at the age 38 in the Hospice in 2015. We have raised thousands of pounds for the Hospice since her passing in her memory.”
“The Great North Run was absolutely amazing experience and I have currently raised £470.”
 
Michael Kilby-Scott: “I work for the Castleford Tigers Commercial Team and the Castleford Tigers have supported The Prince of Wales Hospice for several years, with many of our players having family connections over the years. There is a unique gene that all hospice staff have in abundance that one cannot ignore, so when I was asked if I would do the Great North Run and help raise much-needed funds, it was an easy YES.  I usually run about 50 to 60 km a week, but nothing can prepare you for the sheer scale of the Great North Run, 13 miles of cheering and supportive crowds, the massive and excellent organisation of the event and when you cross the finish line, the huge emotions that spill over. I will not get tired of saying, one of the best and most memorable experiences of my life. I have currently raised £276.00.”
 
Lizzie and Alistair Last: “The hospice provided care for our Mum with great compassion during her final days and we wanted to do something to say thank you and give back to the Hospice for the care they provide. This was the first time either of us had taken part in a half marathon and it was an amazing experience that we will never forget.” Lizzie has raised £977 so far and Alistair has raised £947.
 
Sophie Bratt: “My Nan worked at the Hospice as a volunteer for many years before she passed away there due to cancer. I will never forget the care that was bestowed. The Hospice is a fantastic and special place so I feel really proud to be able to help a little. I’m not a natural runner and the Great North Run is tough but nothing compared to the battles fought daily at The Prince of Wales Hospice.” She has currently raised £505.
 
Adrian Greenwood, the Fundraising Manager at The Prince of Wales Hospice commented: “Congratulations to all the runners. These people who was running the Great North Run, showed absolute determination by training physically and mentally for this great challenge for months. We can’t say thank you enough for their commitment to raising funds for our Hospice.”