Heartwarming stories from 4 North East women taking part in today’s Great North Run

Emily, 26, Newcastle

Emily Robinson is an award-winning Trainee Nursing Associate who is running the Great North Run for NHS Charities Together.

Emily’s Great North Run story: “As a Trainee Nursing Associate and a carer to my two younger brothers who have a rare genetic disorder, I know just how needed our NHS is. I wanted to give something back and express my appreciation to all the hard-working NHS staff. My Mum works in A&E, and I was inspired by her and wanted to follow in her footsteps.

“I worked on a temporary COVID-19 Intensive Care Ward during the pandemic. I had to stay in a hotel to protect my brothers and was separated from my family for 10 weeks. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done, but they sent regular cards to cheer me up, and I was motivated to keep going by my need to care for sick patients, the support of my family and that of the public. My brothers have spent a lot of time in hospital, and I want to raise as much as possible for the NHS as I know how much of a difference donations can make.”

Helen Ryvar, 43, Wrexham  

Helen Ryvar is the Guinness World Record Holder for running the most consecutive half marathons, hitting 111 back in 2021 following the sudden death of her ex-husband.

Helen is now trying to break her own record for running the most consecutive half marathons for a female, with the goal of 1,000 by January 2025.

Helen’s Great North Run story:

“I studied in Newcastle for 15 years, doing two degrees. I met my ex-husband here, who sadly passed away three years ago. I never ran the Great North Run when I lived in Newcastle; I was too unfit! It’s nice to revisit as a new person.

I ran the first 700 half marathons for Mind – my ex-husband suffered from mental health issues, and in return, I also suffered. It is important to me to help this charity as I never want anyone to suffer like I did. I raised around £8,000 in total for Mind.

“I’m now running for Cancer Research UK as I sadly lost my Dad during this streak partially to cancer. I also lost a friend and have another who is currently battling cancer. Cancer was also partially to blame for my ex-husband’s death. Cancer has touched everyone in some way, whether directly or indirectly, and I’d like to help this charity by running to raise funds and awareness for them.”

Hollie, 23, Mansfield 

In 2016, Hollie collapsed at school during lunch break. Her teachers said that she fainted, but her mum, Sarah, took her to the doctor to get checked out. Hollie was soon transferred to Glenfield Hospital in Leicester, where after numerous tests, ECGs and 24-hour tapes, she was diagnosed with Andersen Tawil syndrome, a rare genetic heart condition.

She had an ICD device implanted and lives with medication. Hollie is a passionate sportswoman and horse rider. She was told she couldn’t ride or play sports again, and she was determined to prove them wrong. Having worked on her fitness and confidence, she now rides, plays sports, and is taking on the 2024 Great North Run for the British Heart Foundation.

Michaela, 28, County Durham

In December 2022, Michaela received a call from her mum that no child would want to receive. She’d found her dad collapsed and unresponsive. Michaela stayed on the phone with her mum whilst she drove from Newcastle to County Durham, listening to her mum perform CPR until the ambulance arrived. Sadly, he didn’t survive – Andrew was 54-years-old when he died. A postmortem revealed he’d been living with a bicuspid valve and dyslipidemia, which is hereditary. Michaela and her sister have been tested; sadly, Michaela also has a similar condition. She needs to have her lipid (linked to cholesterol) levels checked every three to five years to help protect her.

The 28-year-old will run the Great North Run this year to raise awareness of silent conditions like dyslipidemia that many people don’t know about.