Congratulations to all 16 runners who took part in the Great North Run on Sunday, 7th September. They raised thousands for our CHFT Charity and Maternity Bereavement Appeal, with more funding continuing to come in each day. The Great North Run is the world's biggest half marathon (13.1 miles) which takes you from the heart of Newcastle to South Shields. 

Pictured following the race are: Top (left to right) - Zuby Hasan, Anne-Marie Keen, Katy Pearson and Lois Riley. Bottom (left to right) - Emma-Leigh Leeman, Rachel Roberts, Sarah Penn, Roxanne Charles and Gemma Harrison.

Fundraising and engagement assistant, Emma-leigh Leeman, told us: "Together our fantastic runners have raised more than £6,000 but we know this will be even more as we have match funding, cash donations, and funding from other activities our runners have done, including bake sales!

"It is already an amazing amount for our 16 runners. I am so proud of every single one of them for taking on this challenge and I was honoured to be at the end of the race to welcome them back and celebrate their amazing achievement."

Following the race we caught up with Junior Project Manager, Lois Riley from Equans, who completed the run as her first half-marathon in 2 hours 15 minutes. Lois said: "I had completed a few 5k runs late 2024 and decided to try for longer distances in January 2025. I completed my first 10k run in January and was working alongside Emma and the maternity project managing the Maternity Bereavement Suite at the time. Emma mentioned the opportunity to take part in the GNR to support the appeal and I thought it was a good challenge and personal goal to reach all whilst raising money for a scheme I am heavily involved in.

"From meeting with the team, I was made aware of the current facilities and how the service would be greatly improved by having a purpose-built facility to support families who unfortunately go through miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death.

"I felt apprehensive for the run as it was the longest I have ran and also the most elevation gain! It was motivating throughout as there were some great costumes and also support all the way by spectators. After the run I felt elated, a mixture of relief and feeling proud of my achievement. I was also happy to realise that I had completed it in an impressive time for me!"

CHFT Charity, maternity colleagues and Lois also held a bake sale Thursday, 4th September which raised an extra £186.64. Equans are also donating £200 as part of the Equans Community Fund Initiative.

A huge well done to all our runners!

To find out more about the Maternity Bereavement Appeal, fundraise, or make a donation, visit the CHFT Charity website: Maternity Bereavement Appeal - CHFT Charity