29 Nov 2022 Community

The Kirkwood’s Great North Runners on raising £8,603 for us

The Kirkwood were proud to have a number of people run this years Great North Run and raise a fantastic amount of funds for us. We have taken the time to speak to a number of our runners and they told us how they found the event and why they wanted to do it.

The Kirkwood runners raised a fantastic £8,603 after taking part in one of the most prestigious half-marathons in the country.

On taking part in the run, Sam Atkinson said: “It was difficult, I struggled as I didn't have much time to train as it was a fairly late call up. It was very enjoyable though and the crowd were great. I did it last year but due to Covid-19 it was a different route, it was better this year as we finished in South Shields at the coast.

On the reason Sam took part on behalf of The Kirkwood, he commented: “I'm local to The Kirkwood and know what a great job everyone involved does as my mother in law spent her last few weeks there. I helped in the garden in my previous job and saw what it meant to everyone within The Kirkwood. It is such a special place to so many people. It relies a lot on volunteers and I for one would volunteer again to raise money for such a great cause.”

Looking back on the run, Jason Middleton gave his thoughts,  he said whilst he was glad to have completed the 13 miles, he says he’ll never do it again though.

He commented: “Everyone that knows me knows I'm not a born runner.” He said, adding: “I've never ran 13 miles and to be honest with you, I will never do it again.”

On why he wanted to do it Jason added: “After two years of delays due to Covid-19 I finally managed to step onto the start line. As mentioned above I’ve never previously ran anything over 9 miles. I did manage to run to the 10-mile marker without stopping but needed to stop for refreshments and intake of food.

"I think the worst part for me was trying to get moving again so between 10 and 11 miles it was a real start stop affair. After this point I managed to keep shuffling all the way until I saw the sea and the home stretch. After finishing the race and seeing my family I think it took me about 10 minutes to hobble 100m to the post finish area.

“This was absolutely a one off for me but was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The crowd and supporters throughout the race were amazing and were absolutely the reason I managed to finish.

“The reason I chose this event was that The Kirkwood supported my bed ridden father during his final years and his visits to the hospice were the highlight of his week. I always promised myself that I would complete a worthy charity event raising money in his memory.

“It was The Kirkwood that helped me secure a place on the Great North Run giving me the opportunity to raise valuable funds for the organisation who provide vital care for end of life patients.”

Finally Clare Bass had her own reasons for taking part, she is another fantastic supporter of ours and one we are very proud to have had running for us on the day.

On how hard she found the run she explained: “I first took on the Great North Run for The Kirkwood last year when I was approached by Joanna Doherty (The Kirkwood’s Community Fundraiser), after previously being involved in other events. 

“I was very nervous before doing the run, I was travelling alone and hadn’t really run a half marathon before but I absolutely loved it.

“I finished the run in 2 hours 20 minutes and then took myself to see the sea before travelling home on a high. So, I was very keen to sign up again this year! Sadly, I had injured myself two weeks before the event and so was on crutches, I was recovering well so decided I would be able to survive the run for The Kirkwood, especially as it is such a wonderful charity and I really didn’t want to pull out. 

“I travelled up to Newcastle and took part in the event (minus my crutches). The atmosphere was great, there were loads of runners dressed up and a huge amount of the locals had turned up to cheer us on. The sun came out and caught us all out, it was boiling hot. Sadly by about mile six I was in so much pain I should have stopped running but with the help of my friend and some painkillers I managed to keep going.

“I don't really remember much after that as it was all a blur of pain and i can’t say i enjoyed it!  Was I relived to finish? Yes! Was I pleased to have done it for The Kirkwood, double yes! I went expecting it to be as much fun as the year before, sadly my injury and the crowds were too much for me this year. I did enjoy my swim at the end again though.”

Clare explained why she wanted to raise funds for The Kirkwood, a charity close to her heart. She said: “I chose to run for The Kirkwood as I took up running for the charity at a time when I was really finding life hard.

“I got back into running and wanted a challenge to give me a focus. I had missed the entry for the Dewsbury 10k but then saw that The Kirkwood had some places for the Great North Run. I had a friend who had spent her last few days in the hospice and knew of many others who had benefited from their marvellous work. 

“I decided I wanted to support my local hospice, I went along to the Dewsbury 10k, and Joanna made me feel so welcome. It was like I was joining a new family almost. I felt really valued and recognised that my support was appreciated. That was in 2019, So since then I have been involved in various events. 

“I even did my own charity parkrun event throughout January 2021 in lockdown. Cancer touches most of our lives at some point and to know that my efforts, by doing events and fundraising, make a difference and help keep the amazing work with The Kirkwood going makes it worthwhile.

“Without them, some people would be completely lost at some of the hardest and most difficult times in their lives. They provide a lifeline of support for those who are ill and their families. Their care, compassion and consideration for others is just amazing. 

“I could not feel luckier to have such a wonderful place as my local hospice. What they provide can't be found anywhere else, they give people that bit extra, they help hold people together when their lives feel like they are falling apart. To know we are all working together, like a family, to support and help one another is what life is about.”

The Kirkwood would like to thank all the runners involved and for being apart of our The Kirkwood movement.