Team NEAS swaps uniforms for running shoes at this year's Great North Run

As thousands prepare to take part in this year's Great North Run, colleagues from North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) will be among those lining up at the start line, raising money for charities and causes that have made a difference to their lives.

The world-famous half marathon returns on Sunday for the 45^th year, bringing around 63,000 runners from across the region and beyond.

While dedicated NEAS teams will be helping provide medical cover and emergency care throughout the event, many colleagues will also be swapping their uniforms for running kit to take on the iconic 13.1 mile challenge themselves.

From first-time participants to seasoned runners, 17 NEAS colleagues are collectively supporting a wide range of charities including Macmillan Cancer Support, Mind, Marie Curie, Dementia UK, Anthony Nolan, Parkinson's UK, the MND Association, Great North Air Ambulance Service and several local children's charities.

NEAS chief executive, Kevin Scollay, said: "The Great North Run is a massive part of the North East’s history and is a major event in our calendar every year.

“I’m thrilled to see so many faces from Team NEAS participating in the event this year, whether it’s through running the course or helping support medical cover on the day.”

Among those taking part are:

Andrea Raine, head of operations for the south division, who is running for Teesside Hospice, a charity that supported her family through difficult times.

Gurpreet Dulai, GP clinical advisor in the emergency operations centre, who is fundraising for the Pumping Marvellous Foundation in memory of his father and brother.

Kirsty Wright, apprentice ambulance support practitioner, who is completing her eighth Great North Run for Macmillan Cancer Support in honour of her grandfather.

Claire Haynes-Shepherd, paramedic at Fishburn station, is running for Tommy's after experiencing baby loss, while her daughter takes part in the Junior Great North Run.

Joe Coyne, ambulance care assistant at Coulby Newham will complete his 11th Great North Run dressed as Olaf from Disney's Frozen while raising money for Great North Air Ambulance Service.

Lizzy Roebuck, paramedic at Redcar station is fundraising for the MND Association after losing both her mother and grandmother to Motor Neurone Disease.

Rachael Scott-Toyne, health advisor in the emergency operations centre is taking on her first Great North Run in support of Parkinson's UK, inspired by people she met during her postgraduate research into the condition.

Many other colleagues are also running for charities supporting people living with cancer, heart disease, dementia and other life-changing conditions.

For more information on all the NEAS runners and their charities, visit our website: https://www.neas.nhs.uk/news-and-events/latest-news/team-neas-are-and-running-great-north-run-2026

Kevin added: "Behind every runner is a personal story, a challenge overcome or a cause worth supporting.

“We're incredibly proud of our colleagues who are taking part this year, and I wish everyone taking part the very best of luck and look forward to seeing Team NEAS represented proudly across the course on Sunday."

As runners, volunteers and spectators prepare for the weekend, NEAS is encouraging participants to have fun but stay hydrated, take care in the sun, pace themselves appropriately and seek help from event medical teams if required.