It’s Great North Run week and as thousands are preparing for one of the region’s most iconic events, 
Team NEAS have several members taking the start on Sunday. We will continue to play a vital role behind the scenes, supporting medical cover and emergency care to the thousands of runners taking part from across the world.
45 years on form its inaugural race, this edition of the Great North Run will see 63,000 runners take on the 13.1-mile course, featuring the Tyne Bridge and the legendary South Shields finish.
Read on below to find out a bit more about our staff, who they’re running for and why.
This year, Andrea is taking on the Great North Run to raise money for Teesside Hospice – a charity that means a lot to her and her family.
Teesside Hospice provides incredible care, support, and compassion to people facing life-limiting illnesses, as well as their loved ones during some of the most difficult times imaginable. Their work has touched Andrea’s life personally, and this is her way of giving something back and helping ensure that other families can continue to receive the same vital support.
Andrea is taking on the challenge with her friend Arron.
“Training for 13.1 miles won’t be easy, but knowing we’re running for such an amazing cause will keep us going every step of the way. Every penny will help Teesside Hospice continue the outstanding work they do for local families when they need it most.”
You can help support Andrea and donate to Teesside Hospice by following this link.
Guppy is fundraising for the Pumping Marvellous Foundation. He is running in honour of his dad and brother who both passed away from heart-related issues.
Guppy said: “2025 was one of the roughest years imaginable - my father passed away aged 70 from sepsis secondary to bacterial endocarditis, and severe heart failure towards the end. Furthermore, my brother aged 41 died of a heart attack. Here's to giving back and keeping healthy hearts. Thank you for all your donations.”
You can support Guppy and donate to the Pumping Marvellous Foundation by following this link.
Kirsty is running an incredible eighth Great North Run for her grandad, in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.
Kirsty said: “Grandad fought his cancer battle with a smile on his face most days I saw him even though I know deep down he was suffering and I want to raise as much money as I can to make him proud!
“I want to raise as much money for Macmillan in particular who were a great support to him and my grandma during that time, so that in future they can continue to help and ease the upset and stress of other families who may need it, in future. This one is for you grandad. Love you forever and ever.”
You can support Kirsty and donate to Macmillan Cancer Support by following this link.
Rhiannon is taking on the run in aid of Mind.
Rhiannon said: “It’s no secret I’ve faced my fair share of mental health issues and wanted to run for a charity close to the heart. Any donations no matter how big or small would be greatly appreciated.
“Mind believe no one should have to face a mental health problem alone. They'll listen, give you support and advice, and fight your corner.”
You can support Rhiannon and donate to Mind by following this link.
Joe is heading out for his 11th Great North Run, dressing up as Frozen’s Olaf for the duration of the challenge, his fifth time doing so!
He will be running in support of The Great North Air Ambulance Service. GNAAS supports NEAS and rescues hundreds of seriously ill and injured people every year across the North East, North Yorkshire, and Cumbria. Their doctor-led critical care teams bring life-saving treatment directly to the scene, whether that is on a fell top, by the roadside, or in a city centre.
Joe said: “I've only got a few weeks to get used to running in the snowman outfit again, so if you spot a slightly melted snowman out on a training run in 30-degree heat, please feel free to throw some water my way! Or an ice cream.”
You can support Joe and donate to Great North Air Ambulance Service by following this link.
Claire is conquering the 13.1 miles for Tommy’s, along with her daughter who is excited to take part in the Junior Great North Run.
Tommy’s exist to stop the heartbreak and devastation of baby loss and to make pregnancy and birth safer - for everyone.
On her upcoming run, Claire said: “After experiencing our own loss in 2023, it was Tommy’s that was a quick and informative source of information to turn to when it was needed.”
You can support Claire and donate to Tommy’s by following this link.
Nigel is taking on the Great North Run in support of Military vs Cancer, a charity dedicated to helping members of the Armed Forces community and their families affected by cancer.
He will be completing the run alongside his brother, cousin and 76-year-old uncle who is doing the Great North Run for the very first time.
Nigel said: “Every mile we run is in honour of those who are currently facing, or have faced, this difficult battle, showing them they are not alone. Military vs Cancer provides vital practical and emotional support when it’s needed most, and I’m proud to play a small part in their mission.”
You can support Nigel and donate to Military vs Cancer by following this link.
Matthew is running for the Teenage Cancer Trust in honour of the brilliant treatment his brother, David, received.
He said: “Six years ago, my twin brother David got the all clear after being diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma after going to the doctors with a pain in his neck. His treatment was in the Teenage Cancer Trust Ward at the Freeman Hospital. The staff and the ward itself were brilliant. They made such an awful time easier for us all.”
You can support Matthew and donate to the Teenage Cancer Trust by following this link.
Michael is taking on the UK’s most famous half marathon for a very respectable 15th time in 26 years for Children’s Cancer North.
You can support Michael and donate to Children’s Cancer North by following this link.
Grace is running for Anthony Nolan.
She said: “This charity is dedicated to saving lives by providing stem cell transplants and supporting those affected by blood cancer. Their research and care give hope and a chance for a better quality of life to so many who are unwell. Any donation no matter how small is hugely appreciated.”
You can support Grace and donate to Anthony Nolan by following this link.
Rachel will be taking on the challenge of running the Great North Run in aid of Marie Curie in memory of her grandad.
She said: “Marie Curie provided him with care, compassion and dignity during the last days of his life, and we as a family are eternally grateful for their support.
“Thank you so much for donating whatever you can, it really will make a massive difference.”
You can support Rachel and donate to Marie Curie by following this link.
Laura is doing the run for Heel and Toe Children’s Charity.
She said: “I'm doing the Great North Run for this amazing children's charity that supports children with Cerebral Palsy & other physical disabilities. Any donations will be greatly appreciated.”
You can support Laura and donate to Heel and Toe by following this link.
James supports NEAS by helping look after our stations. He is doing the run for the British Heart Foundation, the charity having done great work with his son, grandfather and cousin.
James said: “My son had a heart op when he was young and they did a fantastic job, he got to play football, join the army and now he is working at the airport so thank you to everyone at the foundation, from James.”
You can support James and donate to the British Heart Foundation by following this link.
Lucy is running the Great North Run for Dementia UK in support of her gran, who has been living with dementia for the last four years.
On the cause, Lucy said: “Watching someone you love go through dementia has been very difficult for our family. My gran is caring, funny and a massive part of our family.
“As dementia has changed daily life for all of us, I want to give back the care, love and support my gran has given all of us by raising money to support those with dementia and to help them cope with the challenges dementia brings.”
You can Lucy and donate to Dementia UK by following this link.
Lizzy is taking part in the Great North Run to help people and families affected by Motor Neurone Disease, having lost her Mum and Grandma to the disease.
On raising money for the MND Association, Lizzy said: “Whether you can donate £5 or £500, every penny counts in the fight against MND.
“The money raised will provide care and support for people living with MND and their families and carers. It will also fund vital research to help better understand the disease and bring us closer to finding a cure.”
You can support Lizzy and donate to the MND Association by following this link.
Rachael is taking on the Great North Run for the very first time in aid of Parkinson’s UK.
She said: “Growing up, I watched my mam run the Great North Run year after year, and every time I said, ‘I'll do it next year.’ Well, this is finally my year, and I couldn't think of a better event to start my running journey.
“I'm proud to be running in support of Parkinson's UK, a charity that means so much to me. During my masters degree, I had the privilege of researching Parkinson's Disease and meeting so many incredible people living with the condition. That work led to my dissertation on Parkinson's and the role of exercise, something I'm immensely proud of.”
You can support Rachael and donate to Parkinson’s UK by following this link.
Jill is running the Great North Run with her two children, Emma and Adam, and they will be raising money for Red Sky Foundation, a North East heart charity helping to save the lives of people in the region.
Jill said: “Babies, children and now adults who are born with or who might develop heart conditions are benefitting from the help and support of this amazing charity.
“Red Sky Foundation has an active defibrillator campaign to ensure placing multiple life saving devices are available to the public making the North East a safer place to live, learn, work and play.”
You can support Jill and donate to Red Sky Foundation by following this link.
NEAS chief executive, Kevin Scollay, said: "The Great North Run is a massive part of the North East’s history and is a major event in our calendar every year.
"Behind every runner is a personal story, a challenge overcome or a cause worth supporting.
“We're incredibly proud of our colleagues who are taking part this year, and I wish everyone taking part the very best of luck and look forward to seeing Team NEAS represented proudly across the course on Sunday."
As runners, volunteers and spectators prepare for the weekend, NEAS is encouraging participants to have fun but stay hydrated, take care in the sun, pace themselves appropriately and seek help from event medical teams if required.