AN incredible woman who has raised thousands of pounds for charity despite having cancer will be hailed a hero at Sunday’s Great North Run.

Honorata Devlin, from Barnard Castle, was diagnosed with cancer in 2019 but was determined to do all she could to support St Teresa’s Hospice, in Darlington.

During the Covid pandemic, Mrs Devlin took part in virtual fundraising events to raise about £5,000 for the charity, which provides palliative and end of life care and support to residents of South Durham and North Yorkshire and their carers.

Mrs Devlin is one of 13 people, who went the extra mile to support their communities during the pandemic, chosen to feature in the the Great North Thank you campaign.

Supported by Great North Run partners HSBC, those heroes will feature on billboards displayed in Times Square, Newcastle, on Friday and Saturday, then at every mile along the course of this year’s run on Sunday.

Honorata and her family should feel immensely proud to know that, through their actions, they have helped many others living with life-limiting illnesses

Jane Bradshaw, chief executive of St Teresa’s Hospice, said: “I was really touched by Honorata’s story and her selfless commitment to raising funds for St Teresa’s Hospice.

“I cannot begin to imagine how difficult this must have been at times for Honorata and her family, to tackle the Great North Run Solo and virtual challenges whilst undergoing various treatments.

"It has been heart-warming to hear how it has given them all strength and positivity through this time.

“In November 2020, we acknowledged Honorata’s tremendous efforts by awarding an Excellent Supporter Award at our AGM in recognition of the thousands of pounds raised towards our services.

“Honorata and her family should feel immensely proud to know that, through their actions, they have helped many others living with life-limiting illnesses.

“I am so pleased that these actions have now been recognised by the Great North Run organisation.

“Well done Honorata, and thank you so much.”

 

Honorata Devlin

Honorata Devlin

 

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Heroes were nominated by their individual organisations or chosen by a panel that included deputy regional director of HSBC North Region, Mark Wake, and long-time Great North Run volunteer and many times winner Dame Tanni Grey Thompson.

Ordinary people doing extra ordinary work is something that inspires us all

Mr Wake said: “It was an honour to hear more about the work and dedication of these incredible individuals.

“We are delighted to be able to support the Great North Run and to be part of a team celebrating the amazing achievements of the people of the North East.

“Ordinary people doing extra ordinary work is something that inspires us all and we are so looking forward to seeing the Great North Run back in full flow this year.”

Founder of the Great North Run, Brendan Foster, said: “We’re so pleased to be able to recognise the achievements of these inspiring individuals at this year’s event.

“The Great North Run has always been a day where we celebrate the power of collective effort and endurance, but these people have kept that momentum going, under incredibly difficult circumstances over a longer period of time than anyone could have imagined.

“It’s right and fitting that we recognise them on Sunday and give the whole region the chance to say thank you.”

The billboards will all be installed in Times Square, in front of the Life Science Centre in Newcastle City Centre and will be available for the general public to view from 12.30PM on Friday, September 10 until early evening on Saturday, September 11, before they will be moved on to the course of the Great North Run.

 

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