Champion runner Aly Dixon's incentives for people who take on GNR distance for city hospice

As more and more events are cancelled across the region including the Great North Run, St Benedict’s Hospice in Ryhope is facing an unprecedented challenge in their fundraising efforts.

But, with the help of local Olympian and hospice ambassador Aly Dixon they are now looking to enlist fundraisers to take on the challenge of completing the GNR distance of 13.1miles in the week that would have been the build up to the Great North Run.

They have created a free to enter event where every successful finisher will receive a hand-signed certificate from Aly as well as offering a number of incentives to encourage fundraising which includes chances to win some of Aly’s very own special running memorabilia – her world record 50km trophy, her record breaking GNR running number and more.

Anthony McDermott, Head of Challenge Events at St Benedict’s, said: “It’s amazing how the general public have continued to support St Benedict’s Hospice over these recent challenging times and with the cancellation now of the Great North Run and many other key events, we have an even bigger hole to fill in revenue we have lost.

"Anyone who’s looking for a bit of a challenge and who could raise some money along the way, we’d love to hear from you.”

Although the hospice does receive NHS funding, it relies heavily on the efforts of the hospice charity, which has been hit hard by the pandemic with the cancellation of fundraising events and temporary closure of its shops.

This year the hospice has seen the cancellation of the Sunderland Running Festival, The Great North Run, their annual Sunflower Ball, the annual summer fayre, their proposed trip to India and more, all of which has had a great impact on fundraising.

However, hospice staff are grateful to those who’ve rallied round to fundraise, including the recent Sunflower Day which saw city landmarks lit yellow for the hospice.

If you’d like to get involved in running the GNR distance visit www.stbenedicts.co.uk/fundraising/events or email [email protected]

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