Laura ready for Great North Run

15th August 2018

A 37-year-old from Aston is getting ready to run the biggest half marathon in the world for Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice.

Laura Newheiser, who is deputy dispensary manager of the pharmacy department at Sheffield's Northern General Hospital, will be returning to her home town of Newcastle upon Tyne to run the Great North Run on 9 September after seeing friends and family complete the 13.1km event over the years. The event, which sees around 67,000 runners make their way through the city centre towards the River Tyne and cross the iconic Tyne Bridge, also includes a flypast by RAF aerobatic team, the Red Arrows. Laura said: -I've grown up watching the Great North Run every year, always saying that one year I'm going to do it, although I never really believed I would. I have finally taken the plunge, signed up with Bluebell Wood and now I can't wait. This will be the first half marathon I've ever done and my first official run. -Bluebell Wood is a great local charity that does amazing things for children and their families. I've raised funds for them in the past but this is my biggest challenge so far. I'm honoured to be running for families who are dealing daily with situations that many of us can never really comprehend. Bluebell Wood provides vital support to these families in their hour of need. Rachel Hodges, Senior Events Fundraiser, Bluebell Wood, said: -Every time someone like Laura makes the decision to go out of their comfort zone and run in an event like this, it means even more support for families facing the toughest of times. We can only do we do thanks to all our incredible supporters and fundraisers, whose efforts go a long way in helping our children and young adults make special memories. For ideas to help children and young adults whose lives are just too short please visit www.bluebellwood.org