On Sunday 13th September, 63,000 competitors will tackle the iconic 13.1-mile route from Newcastle upon Tyne to South Shields. As the world’s biggest half marathon, the AJ Bell Great North Run is famous for its unbeatable atmosphere, crowd support, and fundraising impact. This year’s 45th milestone event will be the largest yet, and our dedicated team is ready to take on the challenge!
We are very grateful to Niamh Bradley, Tia Race, Craig Harris, and Dom Ranson, for running to support Lyme Disease UK. Their efforts will directly fund our work to raise awareness and support UK Lyme patients.
Discover what drives our team by reading their inspiring individual stories below. You can show your support, leave a message of encouragement, or sponsor our runners via the donation links below.
Niamh Bradley
“My name is Niamh Bradley, I’m 19 years old, and I’m running to raise awareness and support for Lyme disease. Over the past year, I’ve watched a close friend (who is also my boss) struggle daily with the effects of Lyme disease. Despite her determination, she received little support from the NHS and had to fight tirelessly just to get a diagnosis. Even after finally being tested, there was limited help or information available to her.
Seeing her pain and resilience has inspired me to take action. I want to help shine a light on this often-overlooked illness and raise funds for more research, better awareness, and improved support for those affected.”
Tia Race
“I would like to take part in the GNR to raise awareness for Lyme disease as it’s a disease which is close to my heart. My mum lives with Lyme disease every day.
This disease has had a huge impact on her life, causing challenges which people don’t see. Watching her struggle daily has made me aware how much Lyme disease isn’t known by lots of people in the UK, and how important support and research is for those affected.”
Craig Harris
“I’m running the Great North Run this year to support a cause that means a lot to me and to my good friend, who has Lyme himself.
We hope to raise awareness and funds for Lyme disease. It’s a condition that can be life-changing, and every step I take is for those affected to help drive better understanding and support.”
Dom Ranson
“I ran the GNR in 2014, but soon afterwards I was bitten by 15 ticks in western Scotland. I didn’t really know about Lyme disease or treatment, so over the next few years my health declined to the point where I was bedbound and unable to work. I struggled for many years.
After I eventually figured out what was making me ill, I started treatment. Through lots of trial and error and mainly herbal protocols, I have regained my health slowly. I am back running now, and I would really like to run this event once again, this time to raise money for Lyme disease awareness and treatment.”
(Featured image credit: Runner’s World UK)