Moving stories behind the Great North Runners

MANY PEOPLE WERE INSPIRED TO RUN THE RACE FOR VERY SPECIAL REASONS

Reporter FOR some people, taking part in the Great North Run was more than just trying to achieve a personal best.

The loss of a loved one or the amazing work by charities inspired scores of people to put on their running shoes and hit the streets.

Dozens of runners could be seen wearing the logos or colours of a variety of charities as they ran from Newcastle to South Shields, while others donned weird and wacky costumes to raise cash for the good causes.

Here are some of the inspirational stories which saw runners take on the gruelling 13.1 mile course. Steven and Elizabeth Medd

The centre provides free sensory and specialist leisure activities for disabled children and adults and also offers free and subsidised leisure breaks.

The family’s involvement with The Alan Shearer Centre in Benwell began when Shearer donated funds from his 2006 testimonial match towards the completion of the activity centre.

It was then named after the exEngland striker in 2011. my running journey and if I didn’t have running in my life I seriously don’t know where I would be.

“I found it was something that I’m actually reasonably good at and I also lost a few stone but gained many, many friends from the running community.

“For all of this, I am eternally grateful to the GNR for simply existing in the first place.”