The Great North Run is a major event in the North East’s calendar — and every year, the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) plays a vital role behind the scenes, providing medical cover and emergency care to the thousands of runners taking part from across the world!
As an emergency service, part of this preparation involves many hours of planning medical provision and coverage by our emergency preparedness, resilience, and response (EPRR) team and commercial team. The teams have worked closely with our partner organisations and event runners to ensure runner and crowd safety.
Our staff aren’t just supporting the event — they're running it too. Several dedicated NEAS staff members are taking on the challenge themselves, whilst raising money for charities of their choice.
We want to shine a light on the dedication from our colleagues and why they’re going the extra mile.
"A few years ago, I couldn't run 100 metres. Last week, I ran 17 kilometers."
George, a communications officer in A&E dispatch and a runner at this year's Great North Run, has spent over six years working at the North East Ambulance Service. Starting as a health advisor and now as a communications officer in A&E dispatch. In 2024, George underwent emergency surgery — an experience that not only saved his life but allowed him to witness first-the dedication, and compassion of NHS staff.
"Over the last few years, I have lost over half of my bodyweight. I started running after a stint in hospital for emergency surgery in 2024 where I saw the full extent of how brilliant the NHS can be.
"I wanted to prove to myself and everyone else you can do anything if you put your mind to it, a few years ago I couldn't run 100m, last week I ran 17km.
"The weight loss and the fitness has helped me overcome severe anxiety and depression, become a more confident and outgoing person."
This year, George is fundraising for GNAAS after seeing the work they do, first-hand.
"To have a service like GNAAS working alongside us is invaluable."
You can help support George's fundraising by following this link
Kerry is a team leader in our emergency operations centre and will be taking part in the Great North Run this weekend. She's lacing up her trainers and running in memory of her grandad, who passed away in 2011.
Kerry added: "I'm running the Great North Run for the first time in memory of my Grandad who died in 2011.
"I'm not a runner by any means but I wanted do something outside of my comfort zone and challenge myself. I've had a few wobbles along the way, thinking that I won't be able to do it, but now I'm excited (if not a little bit nervous) for the big day.
"My aim is to just get over that finish line!!"
She's running for The Bobby Robson Foundation, raising funds in honour for a cause that's close to her heart. Good luck Kerry!
You can help support Kerry's fundraising by following this link
Ebony is a senior communications officer at NEAS and, after completing her first Great North Run last year, she is running again, for a cause that is close to home.
Ebony shared why she's running, "I am running for two reasons – the first reason is I love a challenge and seeing how far I can push my fitness limits and after running the Great North Run for the first time last year, I really wanted to see if I could mentally and physically push myself further with a better time and pace.
"The second reason is the most important – a friend of mine was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and for that reason, I am running for Breast Cancer Now to run for her and to spread awareness of the importance of research and supporting those who are going through breast cancer or may in the future whether that is personally or someone you know.
"I am running for those who can't and to help raise as much awareness as possible about the importance of research for something that affects everyone in some shape or form."
Ebony is running to support her friend, raise awareness, and support vital research.
You can help support Ebony's fundraising by following this link
Angela is a health advisor & assistance and call handling (ACE) coach at NEAS and is taking on the Great North Run for the first time today!
Angela added, "I am running the Great North Run as a personal fitness challenge to help improve my overall fitness and health.
"I have chosen to run for the British Heart Foundation as I feel this is a cause that every single person can relate to as we all have a heart and need to look after it's health.
"Several family members of my own have suffered from heart attacks and this is something I hear about every single day whilst taking calls. It is so important for the public to have access to defibrillators in as many places as possible so even if my sponsor money helps towards funding this, I will be very happy".
With heart conditions affecting her own family and the people she supports daily, Angela is passionate about raising awareness and funding for heart health and defibrillator access. Good luck Angela!
You can help support Angela's fundraising by following this link: https://ajbellgreatnorthrun2025.enthuse.com/pf/angela-harrison-08739/post/9502416
Katherine is a health advisor at the North East Ambulance Service and she took part in this year’s Great North Run to raise money for The Mental Health Foundation Charity.
Katherine added, “Mental health is something that is increasing in the population and can impact anyone at anytime. More funding and services are needed.”
You can help support Katherine's fundraising by following this link
Katharine is a paramedic, working for NEAS out of Amble station. This year, she took part in her third Great North Run, to raise money for Blood Cancer UK – a charity working to change the future for people affected by blood cancer.
Katharine explained why she took part, “Last year my mam was diagnosed with stage 3 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma which is a type of blood cancer.
“As a family we've watched my Mam battle cancer and do an absolute cracking job at it as well.
“This will be a very special run not only to raise awareness for Blood Cancer UK but to also dedicated this run to my absolutely wonderful Mam.”
You can help support Katharine's fundraising by following this link
Trish is a senior HR advisor at NEAS.
She started running in 2018 but the hobby was very short lived due to an injury, she never revisited running until this year.
"I always telling myself I couldn't do it. I wanted a new challenge and running the great north run had been on my 'pre-40 year old' bucket list since 2018.
"I wanted to challenge my mindset, to overcome the barriers and prove that mental strength and resilience is important to achieving goals.
"The Samaritans is an incredible charity for so many reasons, for anyone struggling with difficult emotions and want an ear to listen in their time of crisis, they're a crucial support network to prevent suicide.
"I'll be forever grateful that those around me have had the courage to speak up when they needed help; to me, to others and to charities such as the Samaritans."
You can help support Trish's fundraising using this link.
Lowri started running properly this year and this is her first half marathon, raising money for the Great North Air Ambulance (GNAAS)
She said: “I see daily working in the EOC how crucial this service is and they rely on charitable donations to keep them in the skies and saving lives. I'm so happy I have been able to raise a good amount of money for them.
“I also took the lead in organising a fundraising weekend at work over the bank holiday, supporting charities chosen by myself and 10 colleagues who are all running as well. We raised £1,350, meaning another £123 per charity. I was so grateful and overwhelmed by the response from all of our colleagues at NEAS and feel so proud that we have helped so many charities collectively.
“I can't wait to soak up the atmosphere on the day and get over that finish line.”
Donate to Lowri's fundraising here.
While thousands of runners take to the streets, NEAS crews on the front line will be providing care for the participants throughout the event and across the wider region too.
Good luck to all those taking part in this year’s Great North Run and thank you to our staff who have worked tirelessly to plan and deliver the event.
