5 September 2024
The world-famous half marathon returns this Sunday, and we want to wish good luck to everyone taking part.
Read more about which #TEWVstars are taking part and volunteering, and the reasons why.
Natalie Kershaw
Natalie is taking on the half marathon for the first time in memory of her late husband Jordan, who sadly passed away in June 2023.
At age 34, Jordan died suddenly of a heart attack.
Natalie, a GP aligned community psychiatric nurse (CPN), said: “In 2019 I met my soul mate. The other half of me.
“We married in Las Vegas 2022 knowing that we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together building a future. We were so happy planning what we were going to do when we retired.
“Jordan was such a loyal, hardworking, fun, loving and caring person. Just like that, he was taken away.
“We laughed about doing the Great North Run and he already said he would beat me (which he would have!) so in memory of my amazing husband Jordan Kershaw, I will be doing this for you!”
Natalie is raining money for the British Heart Foundation.
Dr James Sampford
Although a regular runner, James is running the Great North Run for the first time on Sunday. He is raising money for Cancer Research UK after his sister was diagnosed with breast cancer last year.
James said: “My sister’s diagnosis was very sudden – she was rapidly diagnosed then had treatment.
“I’m obviously looking forward to the GNR. It will be the biggest mass participation race I’ve done and I do enjoy the atmosphere and spectacle of taking part in the big city road races.”
Beth Leighton
Community psychiatric nurse, Beth, is running to raise awareness of hyperemesis gravidarum – severe vomiting and nausea leading to health problems in pregnancy, which left her hospitalised.
Beth, who is based at Auckland Park and works in mental health services for older people, developed hyperemesis gravidarum while pregnant with her daughter Ava in 2018.
“It really is an awful condition. It affects both your physical and mental health and is so draining,” she said.
“Hyperemesis gravidarum is sometimes dismissed as just morning sickness, but it really isn’t. I couldn’t keep anything down and ended up in hospital on a drip.
“When I discovered that support was available, it was sadly too late for me. Now I’m hoping that by raising awareness of the charity, Pregnancy Sickness Support, I can help others get the help they need.”
Ric Long
Ric, admin manager at Eastfield Clinic in Scarborough, is running to help his colleague Sue, whose daughter Christine attends a supported residential setting at a farm in Stokesley.
The farm offered promising plans for the residents, including a day centre with amenities like a barber shop, hairdresser, nail bar, and a serene sensory room. However, unfortunately the project came to a halt.
Sue is now attempting to raise £100,000 for an adapted playground and exercise area at the farm, and Ric wants to help her raise awareness.
Sue’s daughter, Christine, 26, who has a learning disability, autism, epilepsy, hearing loss, communication difficulties and ataxia, found solace and support in the farm in Stokesley, North Yorkshire.
Recognising the challenges adults with disabilities face in traditional gym settings, Sue, from Harrogate, envisions this space as not only benefiting the residents but also the broader local community.
Janet Telford
Janet, General manager for Health and Justice, is swapping her running vest for volunteering, to give out medals on the finish line.
Although she’s completed the event four times, Janet said giving out the medals is much more fun and is very rewarding. She can’t wait to greet and congratulate her TEWV colleagues crossing the finish line on Sunday.
Beth Thompson
Team manager Beth is running for a charity called Integrating, which provides day services, days out and an annual week-long trip for children and young adults with learning disabilities/additional needs.
Beth said: “I worked for the charity from age 16 and they’re the reason I chose to study learning disability nursing, so they mean a lot to me.
“It’s obviously a HUGE challenge for me too having only completed couch 2 5k earlier this year. I’m really looking forward to it.
“I attend Parkrun every Saturday and I’ve joined a local running club who I go out with weekly to help with my training.”
