Hundreds of runners are taking on the iconic Great North Run to raise funds for NHS charities, including one Hartlepool woman who is running in memory of her nanna.

This year, on September 8, close to 600 Great North Run participants are running for NHS Charities Together or a local hospital-affiliated charity.

The group aims to raise a whopping £30,000 in a single event, which is triple the amount typically raised in previous years.

Rosie Leigh Laws, 30, from Hartlepool said: "I'm running for NHS Charities Together to thank our wonderful NHS staff for everything they do.

"In 2012 they looked after my nanna when she was in hospital with cancer.

"Unfortunately, we lost her, and she was only in her seventies.

"Ten years later my mum was in hospital with breast cancer and went into anaphylactic shock - the staff were amazing and saved her life.

"She's doing well now."

(Image: NHS)

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Also participating is Emily, 26 from Newcastle, who works as a Trainee Nursing Associate and cares for her two younger brothers.

During the pandemic, Emily worked on a temporary COVID-19 Intensive Care Ward while living away from home, separated from her family to protect her siblings.

Emily said: "I'm delighted to be running the AJ Bell Great North Run for NHS Charities Together.

"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."

(Image: NHS)

Antony Tiernan, a trustee of NHS Charities Together and NHS employee for over 20 years is also taking part.

He said: "On Sunday 8th, I’ll be running the AJ Bell Great North Run to say thanks to them all and to raise funds to support the amazing work of NHS Charities Together."

NHS veteran, Kate Ludlam is also running, expressing her gratitude for the excellent care she received after severely injuring her elbow in a fall.

She said: "I am so excited to be running the AJ Bell Great North Run to raise money for NHS Charities Together.

"The treatment I received from the NHS was simply amazing and I am so grateful to everyone who was involved in my care."

Louise McCathie, Director of Fundraising at NHS Charities Together expressed appreciation to all participants, saying: "We are so thankful to Rosie, Emily, Antony, Kate and all our amazing participants.

"Their fundraising is a fantastic way to thank the NHS for the care they or a loved one received.

"Right now, there is an unprecedented level of pressure on our NHS and its hard-working staff and we know that every penny raised will get to where it’s needed."

The funds raised will be directed towards various support initiatives like altering hospital surroundings into soothing environments, providing tech for staff training, and creating relaxation spaces for exhausted staff after busy shifts, benefiting patients and communities together.