Berwick Cancer Cars team ready for the Great North Run

The streets of Berwick have seen a growing tide of determination over the past two months. For nine weeks, come rain or shine, a dedicated contingent of local heroes has been lacing up their trainers every Wednesday night, steadily ticking off the miles

Their mission is to proudly represent The Berwick & District Cancer Support Group, affectionately known locally as the Berwick Cancer Cars, at the 2026 Great North Run weekend.

The group has transformed from a collection of hopefuls into a finely tuned running machine. This past Wednesday, the gruelling training programme culminated in a celebratory 3.5-mile fun run along the Pier. To ensure everyone was limbered up and ready to go, the team were treated to an invigorating warm-up session led by Lee Robson from Mindful Motion, making the evening a spirited cool-down and the perfect taper before the starting gun fires.

Reflecting on the journey, Andrew Smith, Organiser noted, "The effort and camaraderie of the team has been outstanding. Some of our runners are doing it for fitness, in memory of a loved one, a challenge and some just for bragging rights. Whatever the reason, we have had great fun each week training and it has been amazing to see the community rally round us and cheer us on. The kids have been particularly energetic and so excited for their events. It's definitely all about the memories. With massive thanks to all the admin team, local businesses who sponsor our tops, the wonderful hosts who look after us each week, water stop stewards and of course our amazing supporters."

The sheer scale of Berwick’s representation this year is nothing short of breathtaking, with a total squad of over 50 runners taking part across the weekend’s festivities. The action kicks off on Friday night with the 5k event. The momentum continues onto Saturday, where 12 energetic Junior and Mini runners will proudly don the charity's colours, proving that you are never too young to make a difference.

Runner Jenny Lockhart highlighted the family atmosphere that makes the squad so special: "Being part of TEAM CANCER CARS over recent years has been an absolute privilege, I look forward to the team training runs every year! Even my kids want to wear their 'butterfly tops' for Cancer Cars and loved taking part in this week's fun run along the Pier."

Finally, the main event arrives on Sunday, where the team's half-marathon runners will join tens of thousands of others on the legendary route from Newcastle to South Shields.

Runner Susan Holborn summed up the magic of the occasion: "The Great North Run is special, it’s a North East treasure and you will be taking part and be part of its history. We’re not professional athletes. We are normal people doing normal jobs and doing something amazing - whatever your reasons are for doing it. Enjoy it as much as you can, you’ll talk about it for a long time afterwards and be so chuffed you did it! The Cancer Cars do an amazing job as does everyone involved with it and we’re doing our bit too! Good luck everyone."

This year’s run carries a profound poignancy for the squad, as the team is running in loving memory of their dear friend, Maureen Aitchison. A hugely popular character in the town who is deeply missed by many, Maureen was a true stalwart of the team, having run with them every single year since its inception in 2015.

Ann Short, Chair of the Charity, expressed her gratitude for the runners and paid tribute to their absent friend: "So proud of our GNR team and all the support over the past 15 years. The money you have raised is phenomenal and has helped so many local people through the most frightening time in their lives. This year we are honouring our lovely Maureen Aitchison and the amazing support she gave us. Good luck to you all. You are part of something amazing."

The phenomenal amount of money raised by the Great North Run team each year is so vital that the charity has proudly named one of its vehicles in their honour. This brilliant testament to their fundraising efforts is a car affectionately christened 'Oggy'. The name is a heartwarming nod to the famous 'Oggy Oggy Oggy' tunnel on the Great North Run route—a legendary spot where runners and spectators alike unite in the echoing chant to lift spirits, banish fatigue, and spur the runners on towards the coast.

The miles have been banked, the cool-down is complete, and the excitement in the camp is palpable. Now, they just need the town's support to get them over the finish line.

If you would like to get behind the local runners and support the continuing, invaluable work of the Berwick Cancer Cars, you can donate to the team's fundraising efforts by visiting: https://shorturl.at/bm4qY