Great North Run 2025 Christopher's Story

On Sunday 7 September 2025, our wonderful team of supporters took on the Great North Run and went the extra mile to raise vital funds for Willow Burn Hospice.
We’re celebrating our amazing Team Willow Burn runners by sharing their journeys and saying a heartfelt thank you for every mile they covered in aid of hospice care.

This is Christopher’s story:

This year, I’m taking on one of the most challenging and rewarding things I’ve ever done: the Great North Run. But this isn’t just about completing a race. It’s about honouring my grandad and supporting Willow Burn Hospice, a charity that made an incredible difference in his final days.

My Grandad, George, was a strong, proud man who taught me so much over the years. He was always there for me, through thick and thin, with a laugh that could fill a room and a wisdom that I’ve carried with me every day. When he fell seriously ill, things changed. It was one of the hardest times in my life, seeing someone I loved so much in pain, unable to do the things that once came so easily to him.

But what stood out to me during that period was the incredible support we received from Willow Burn Hospice. The nurses and staff were nothing short of angels, providing not only the medical care my grandad needed but also the emotional support that made such a difference. They treated him with dignity and respect, ensuring he was as comfortable as possible, and they supported our family through the toughest days.

That’s why I’ve chosen to run the Great North Run this year. It’s my way of giving back to Willow Burn Hospice, the charity that gave my grandad—and my family—so much. I know that by raising money, I can help them continue their vital work and support other families going through similar challenges.

It’s not just about running a race. It’s about raising awareness for an incredible cause that I truly believe in.

Every step I take will be in honour of my Granda and every donation will go toward helping others receive the care they need when they need it the most.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me so far. Your encouragement means the world, and together, we can make a real difference.