More than 6,500 runners and their families helped raise almost £210,000 for Children’s Cancer North by taking part in the 39th Children’s Cancer Run.
The popular event, which is sponsored by Greggs, saw supporters young and old, some in wheelchairs and pushchairs, put on their running shoes to take part in the UK's biggest charity fun run on Sunday at Gosforth Park choosing from one, three or five-mile routes. It again drew huge crowds keen to join the fight against childhood cancer.
One of those was the Dodds family from Whickham, whose son Lewis - aged three - is currently receiving treatment for leukaemia. Ashleigh Dodds, mum to Lewis, said: "Our son was diagnosed with leukaemia on New Year’s Eve and throughout his treatment, we’ve received a huge amount of support from Children’s Cancer North.
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"I’m running with Lewis’ older brother today to raise awareness of the amazing work of Children’s Cancer North, but also to raise money so they can continue to provide help and support to families, and most importantly, continue to make life better for children with cancer.
"So far we’ve raised almost £5,000 but we will keep going with our fundraising. I feel like I need to give so much back to the staff in the hospital and everyone that works for Children’s Cancer North because they’ve all been absolutely unbelievable, I can’t thank them enough."
A team of nurses from the Paediatric Oncology Day Unit at the Great North Children’s Hospital in Newcastle were also among those taking part in honour of their brave young patients. Lisa Ternent, Vicky Ainsley, Nicole Laws, Gemma Wilson, Laura Keen, Gemma Lamb and Georgina Mellor all help provide outpatient and daycare facilities for children and young people who have been diagnosed with cancer.
Ward 14 Nursery Nurse Lisa Ternent said: "Through our work on the children's oncology day unit, we see first-hand the support that Children’s Cancer North provides to the patients and families. This is really important, anything from the new parent packs, to arts and crafts.
"We decided to do the run as we wanted to give a little back to the families. Plus we all work long, hard hours and training for the run kept us fit in a positive way. We’re delighted to have taken part and played our part in fundraising for this important cause."
The Children’s Cancer Run started out with very humble beginnings at Tynemouth’s Kings School, which Children Cancer North’s Chairman Chris Peacock attended as a pupil. He had cancer as a child and the school wanted to do something to help. It is now the charity’s main fundraising event annually - raising over £7.5m for children’s cancer research as part of the legacy charity NECCR.
Chris Peacock, Chairman of Children’s Cancer North and founder of the event, said: "We are always blown away by the support we get from the local community and this Children’s Cancer Run has been no different.
"It’s an incredibly humbling day as thousands of people gather to make a difference to the lives of children with cancer and their families. Huge thanks to all those who took part, those who donated, all our sponsors and our team and volunteers, without whom this very special event couldn’t take place.
"We hope everyone has enjoyed it as much as we have and for those who missed it, there is no need to worry. Our Children’s Cancer Run Carlisle will be held on June 26, 2022, at Bitts Park so get signed up now."
For more information, please visit www.childrenscancernorth.org.uk.
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