One afternoon in April of this year I received a phone call from my good friend Helen - she was in the RVI in Newcastle with her youngest daughter Margot, and had just been told she had a suspected brain tumour. Margot is 5 years old. Within 24 hours her diagnosis was confirmed and 2 days later Margot underwent brain surgery - the first stage of her gruelling 12 month treatment plan of operations, chemotherapy and radiotherapy to help her fight and beat this hideous disease. No child (or family) should ever have to face what Margot is dealing with, fight so hard, or show such continuing bravery. She is truly our superhero 🦸‍♀️

Amongst all of this turmoil Helen decided to start “Miles for Margot”, a fundraising initiative principally based around running, to raise money for the outstanding paediatric facility at the Great North Children’s Hospital.

So here we go again - I said last year for the second time I’m done with marathons, but I can’t be when money can be raised for this cause. Our friend Craig and fellow runner didn’t take much persuasion either, so together we are facing 2,011 ft of elevation gain, over 26.2 miles around the stunning Kielder reservoir, to support Helen on her run and raise as much as we can.

Thank you for your support, it really will support and hopefully help make Margot and others journeys a little easier.

Sarah and Craig xx

Finally, just to provide a little more insight we have included Helen’s words below.

‘Our youngest daughter, Margot (aged 5) sadly received a brain tumour diagnosis in April 2024, which devastated our family and instantly turned our lives upside down.

Margot has already been through so much and has had to show bravery in circumstances which no child should have to deal with. Her treatment will continue for the next year and we are at the beginning of a long and difficult road, which will test us in so many ways.

Margot's tumour was spotted by the amazing paediatric team at the Great North Children's Hospital. She went to the top of their priority list in an instant and they acted so quickly. She had brain surgery just 2 days after her diagnosis and is under the care of a world-leading specialist team, whose expertise and kindness have no limits. Margot is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment, with radiotherapy and further chemotherapy over the next 12 months. Everyone we have encountered on the neurological and oncology wards at the Great North Children's Hospital, from the consultants, surgeons and anaesthetists, to the nurses cleaners, play specialists and everyone in between have been incredible and we couldn't ask for kinder people to guide us through this darkest of times.

We want to show our gratitude to these wonderful people by raising as much money as possible to support their incredible work. This starts with the 3 Peaks Challenge, the Great North Run and the Kielder Marathon, with other events to be thrown in as we go forward. Together, these challenges are our "Miles for Margot" and every mile we cover is one step closer to hitting our goal.

Donations to the Great North Childrens Hospital Foundation support the many children and their families who come to the hospital for treatment and care, making their experience the best it possibly can be.

Innovations that really make a difference to patients and staff including life changing research, cutting-edge equipment and technology are funded by donations along with initiatives to support the wellbeing and development of staff.

Evidence shows that children have a quicker recovery when they are in an environment they enjoy and the team strives to make GNCH as welcoming and friendly as it can be.’