Thank you so much to Caitlin Strong, who is running the Great North Run on behalf of the OPA Cancer Charity, in memory of her Dad.
“I set myself a goal of doing 30 new things before I turn 30. After, watching on the side lines last year I thought I’d give the Great North Run a go. When I didn’t make the first ballot for the GNR – I changed it from running 13.1 mile run to a 3 mile run (a big difference I know!) When the January ballot came out, I thought I’d give it a second go, little did I know this time round I’d get a ‘Yes you’re in!’ email – that’s when it sunk in.
I’m not a runner, but I’m determined to train and complete the GNR in memory of my Dad, George who lost his life to oesophageal cancer in July 2022. It was a short battle as he was only diagnosed in the February. At the time we didn’t really know much about that type of cancer, which is why I want to raise money and awareness for OPA. My dad was a very sporty person when he was younger and I think he’d be proud of me for accepting the challenge to complete a half marathon! I don’t have a set time, the most important thing for me is crossing the finish line! What will keep me going is reminding myself of the reasons why I decided to run the race and who I am running for.” – Caitlin Strong
