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Message from Richard Bellamy on behalf of the GNR Team:

I just wanted to say a huge thank you from Amy, Lucy, Michael, Simon, David, me, and of course Candlelighters for your sponsorship and support for the Great North Run. Yes we did it, all of us, without calling on the paramedics or St Johns, and whilst we are all still feeling a bit stiff and sore, we feel proud of ourselves.

We’ve all faced certain challenges in our training, some more than others, but knees, ankles and backs have suffered some serious aches and pains, and for a moment we thought that we might struggle put a team out. And of course we were gutted to lose Ed to injury just a few weeks before. On the day we put it all behind us and were spurred on by the amazing Newcastle crowd, which makes such a huge difference and gave us all a real lift.

On Saturday night we attempted to load up on carbs, but ended up in a Thai curry house, which seemed to be the only place in Newcastle that could offer us a table. Great prep. David bought me a performance enhancing pint of 6% grapefruit real ale to further aid my stamina for the following day - thanks again David. Feeling rather underdressed (or was that overdressed) we didn’t hang about for long in Newcastle City Centre, which was clearly hosting a serious night out for its citizens. We made for the hotel by 10pm (a quaint place called Travelodge Newcastle Central, if you know it) hoping to get some shut eye before the stag and hen parties returned. But not before we watched Emma Raducanu inspire the nation with an amazing win at the US tennis final. Full of inspiration, we retired.

A staggered start meant that we had to be ready to go at different times. David was up at 6.30 am doing star jumps and drinking protein shakes, whereas Simon got up about 10am appearing even more laid back than usual. Michael was more fidgety, and took me on an early morning stroll around the streets of Newcastle – my watch said I’d done about 4 miles before I even started the run! By the end of the day I’d travelled 24 miles on my feet!!

After the race, we met up in the Candlelighters charity tent, put on some warm clothes and walked/hobbled slowly (in a John Wayne style) to the closest restaurant all ordered burger and chips, which was devoured in 30 seconds flat, before heading home.

You can view the photos of us actually doing the race here Great Run Event Results - Great Run -  David, Amy and Lucy look to be positively enjoying themselves and make it look easy. That might have been the case for Simon, Michael and I in the early stage photos, but our expressions are slightly different on those shots between miles 10 and 13.

And whilst I think we are all champions on the day, David was our quickest champion doing it in 1hr50. The significance of that for Candlelighters is that on average there are 150 newly diagnosed children each year that the charity supports. Certainly puts it all into perspective. 

Thanks again to you all – we are really proud of what our colleagues and our clients have helped us achieve.

The GNR is one of the largest mass participation running events in the world (some 54,000 runners took part in 2019).  The race starts in Newcastle, with runners crossing the iconic Tyne Bridge, and finishes 13.1 miles (21km) later on the seafront at South Shields.

Candlelighters are an amazing charity who provide practical, emotional and financial support to children living with cancer in Yorkshire and their families.

For families affected by childhood cancer, COVID19 is making life more difficult than ever. Many families have had to start living separately and they are facing increased financial pressure. Your support enables Candlelighters to continue the vital support they offer in the darkest of times.  

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