23/08/2026
This time last year, I was standing at the finish line in South Shields, cheering on the Great North Run runners as they completed those final few metres.
I remember watching people cross the line - some smiling, some exhausted, some clearly running on pure determination - and thinking just how incredible it was.
I’d never taken part in anything like it before, but something about that day really stuck with me. So much so that the following week I went into work still talking about it and, somewhere along the way, an idea turned into a plan.
Before we knew it, we had a Tyne Valley Motorhomes team: Jonathan, Simon, Liz and me.
Jonathan and Simon have tackled the Great North Run before. Liz and I? Complete beginners. 😅
My training started with very short runs, simply trying to get my body used to running. I got a little too enthusiastic about increasing the distance, picked up a few niggles along the way, upgraded my running shoes and eventually managed my first 5K.
By Christmas I’d made it to 8K and training was properly underway.
Fast forward to today and there are now only three weeks to go.
I’d be lying if I said there haven’t been moments during training when I’ve thought, “What on earth have I signed myself up for?” 😂
And when you’re tired, your legs hurt and you remember that the full distance is 21.1km, it’s very easy to ask yourself why you’re doing it.
But then I remember who we’re doing it for.
💚 Daft as a Brush Cancer Patient Care
Tyne Valley Motorhomes has had a long-standing relationship with Daft as a Brush, helping to raise thousands of pounds for the charity over the years.
Their volunteers provide free transport for cancer patients travelling to and from hospital for treatment across the North East, supporting people during what can be one of the most difficult periods of their lives.
That puts a few aching legs into perspective.
So, in a few weeks' time, the four of us will be standing on that start line in Newcastle and making our way towards the same finish line in South Shields where this whole idea started for me last year.
If you’d like to support us by making a donation, we would be incredibly grateful. The fundraising link is in the first comment below. 💚
And if you’re heading out to watch the Great North Run this year, keep an eye out for the Tyne Valley Motorhomes team and give us a shout as we go past. I have a feeling we’re going to need it! 😂🏃
Jonathan • Simon • Liz • Peter
