Alnwick gym raises £7k for Children's Cancer North in run from Shilbottle to the RVI

The ultramarathon was organised by the owners of Alnwick gym Real Fitness in a bid to raise money for Children’s Cancer North – a charity chosen by 10-year-old Donnie Turner.

Donnie, who is now in remission, was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in November 2024 and goes to school with the son of Ami Lowes, co-owner of Real Fitness.

Ami, along with co-owner Hesus Kidd, decided that they would run from Donnie’s home in Shilbottle all the way to the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) in Newcastle, where Donnie has been receiving treatment, in a way to show their support.

With just ten weeks of training, 17 gym members took part in the 50-mile run, and so far they have raised £7,052 for Children’s Cancer North via JustGiving.

Ami said: “As a community based gym, we wanted to support the family in a way that’s familiar to us – fitness. So myself and Hesus came up with the idea of running from Donnie’s home in Shilbottle to his ward at the RVI.

"Originally there was only going to be four of us, but other members got wind and were keen to get involved in helping fundraising for this charity and showing the family their support.

“Fast forward to 3rd May, 17 Real Fitness members turned up at the start line for the 50-mile run. It was incredible. We ended in Exhibition Park, where Donnie’s family and friends were awaiting us and ran with us along to the RVI.”

Ami added: “These were not super sonic athletes, just normal people doing extraordinary things.”

Donnie’s mum, Ruth Adamson said: “Children's cancer north have done a lot for Donnie and us as a family in his time staying in hospital and also afterwards, from funding staff on the ward to make the children's journey a much happier one.As a parent the fact they've made such a hard time special means the world.

"The gym raised an incredible amount of money for this charity which will help so many families. I'm so thankful to be surrounded by these people. It was a very emotional day which will be remembered forever.”