Published on: 4 September 2025
More than 30 runners are lacing up their trainers for the AJ Bell Great North Run as they support STS Charity this weekend.
Over half of those are staff from South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, running to raise funds its very own dedicated charity, as well as the Vision Appeal.
Money raised will help enhance facilities, fund specialist equipment, and provide those thoughtful extras that make a real difference to patients, visitors and staff.
Some runners are also backing the Vision Appeal, which supports the development of the Trust’s new Eye Hospital in Sunderland - set to open in summer 2026.
The Great North Run takes place on Sunday 7 September, with thousands of runners tackling the 13.1-mile route from Newcastle to South Shields.
Among STSFT staff running is Evie Jay, an Employment Advisor at the Lifestyle Primary Care Mental Health service in South Tyneside.
She shared:
"I owe mine and my daughter's life to the fantastic staff that work within our NHS, not just the doctors, surgeons, midwives and nurses that worked miracles to bring my Ellie into this world safely, but also the mental health team, GPs and therapists that held my hand through the trenches of post-natal depression that very nearly broke me.
“Because of that, I'm also running for my wonderful team here at Lifecycle, they do such amazing work every single day and I am incredibly proud to work alongside each and every of them."
Her fundraising page can be found here.
Also taking part is Jenifer Jobling, a Haematology and Oncology Research Nurse at Sunderland Royal Hospital.
She shared:
"I’ve only started running in the last year, but doing the Great North Run has always been on my bucket list. I chose to run for STS Charity because it’s reassuring to know the money stays local - supporting a service that’s helped me, my family and my friends."
Her fundraising page can be found here.
Bethany Bond is an Assistant Practitioner/Trainee Radiographer within the Trust’s Radiology team.
She shared:
“This year I will be running my first ever GNR for STS Charity. This is a chance to push to my limit and embrace new challenges. I am running in recognition of the patients we care for and the amazing team I work alongside every day. Every donation makes a difference!”
Her fundraising page can be found here.
Ann-Marie Donaghy is a Clinical Site Manager at Sunderland Royal Hospital.
She shared:
“I’ve been part of STSFT coming up 10 years in September and first took on this run when I first qualified. Supporting staff morale across all clinical areas is a passion of mine, and STS Charity can help support that. I will also be running in memory of my mam who was my biggest supporter in becoming a nurse.”
Her fundraising page can be found here.
Sean Scott works as a Telecoms Technician at the Trust and is running in support of the STS Charity Vision Appeal.
He shared:
“I am running to support the Vision Appeal as I have seen first-hand the amazing work they do. My son has had issues with his eyes for the past few years and has been going to the Eye Infirmary regularly for check-ups. The care towards him is nothing short of amazing, but I know there is non-standard equipment that could be funded to help them provide even better care.
“My hope is that this equipment will help future children and patients like my son get the treatments they need in the best way possible. Sight is one of the most important senses we have and the work they do helps preserve this.”
His fundraising page can be found here.
Across the UK, 17 NHS charities will be represented at the event, with over 650 runners joining the thousands making their way to South Shields in support of local hospitals.
The race route will pass South Tyneside District Hospital, where NHS staff will be on standby in A&E to support any runners who become unwell or injured. Trust volunteers will also be helping to staff the field hospital near the finish line.
The STS Charity team will be there to cheer on runners and welcome finishers with open arms.
Visiting to wards at South Tyneside District Hospital will be open as usual from 11am to 8pm on Sunday, September 7, when the Great North Run takes place.
If you are planning to visit a loved one, please allow extra time for your journey as access to the hospital site will be restricted.
The hospital entrance on John Reid Road will be closed between 9.45am and 4pm.
Entry and exit is still possible from Harton Lane.
For full road closure details, please visit the event website.
Learn more about STS Charity: www.stsft.nhs.uk/our-charity
