This year we have another great team taking on the Great North Run in aid of TOFS. Please join us in celebrating them – or even better – come along to the TOFS Cheering Station and show your support in person!
Our runners are:
Please read on to see their stories and discover why they are supporting TOFS.
Clare Johns
Clare is using her own ballot place in the Great North Run to fundraise for TOFS!
If you know me, you’ll know that running has never really been my thing. But like everything I take on, I give it my all. In January I started training and have now completed a number of 10k races, reaching a sub 60 finish (surprising myself).
Now I’m taking on an even bigger challenge and running The Great North Run Half Marathon in September, dedicating every mile to Sammy. I’ve now reached 12 miles in training and more than ready for the event!
Each mile represents two of the operations he’s bravely faced.
Sammy is just 7 years old and has already had 26 operations. He was born with Oesophageal Atresia / Tracheo-Oesophageal Fistula (OA/TOF), a condition where his food pipe ended in a blind pouch and his stomach was connected to his windpipe, meaning nothing could pass into his stomach, something that wasn’t survivable not that long ago. Although surgeons repaired it, it’s not something that can be cured. Sammy still lives with ongoing complications and has had many surgeries and procedures, which includes spinal cord surgery to get his little legs moving.
Not only has Sammy had to face these challenges, Sophie has had to grow up seeing some scary stuff.
I’ve supported TOFS charity for nearly six years as a trustee and volunteer, and after spending a number of years at races cheering on our amazing runners, it’s time for me to put myself in their shoes.
Any support you can give would mean a lot and will help TOFS continue to provide lifelong support to those born unable to swallow.
When the training gets tough, I’ll remember why I’m doing it!
Graham Rowley
Hello, my Name is Graham and I’m running the Great North Run for TOFS, the charity that supports those born unable to swallow.
My son Teddy was born in December 2023 with a TOF and was given life saving treatment at only 1 day old. Since then, he’s been on a real journey – we found out that Teddy had also been born with a secondary congenital narrowing, which meant he underwent the same surgery again. He now has two joins in his oesophagus, which restrict his diet.
The TOFS charity has been an invaluable source of support and information for us since his initial diagnosis. We have used their books and materials to help with weaning and even things such as nursery care plans. They are amazing. Teddy’s favourite book is the soft food recipe book as he loves to look at the pictures of all the other children who are just like him.
It’s nice to feel a part of a wider community of people who understand, and I want to raise awareness of this charity and the condition whilst also raising money as I take on the Great North Run.
I’m extremely grateful for any support given. Please give as generously as you are able as this cause is more than worthy.
Matthew Johnstone
I am running the Great North Run for TOFS as my baby girl Margot was born with OA/TOF. Thanks to the brilliance of Great Ormond Street Hospital, they saved her life
So I am running to spread awareness of this condition and support for the patients and families it effects.
Neil Johns
TOFS is very close to my heart and provides much support to our family, so I’ve decided that I’m running the Great North Run again for them and will hopefully achieve a personal best.
As you may already know, Sammy was born with OA/TOF (Oesophageal Atresia / Tracheo-Oesophageal Fistula) and other associated issues. This is where his stomach joined his windpipe and his food pipe was a blind pouch, so nothing would pass into his stomach and would cause him to choke on his saliva. Although he’s surgically fixed, he’s not cured, lives with a number of issues and has had many operations to help food reach his stomach, along with spinal cord surgery.
If you can spare a few pennies, or some time to spread awareness of TOFS, I will really appreciate it, especially when the training gets tough!
Shaun Martin
I’m taking on the Great North Run to support TOFS (Tracheo-Oesophageal Fistula Support), a charity that provides vital care, information, and support to babies born with oesophageal atresia and tracheo-oesophageal fistula, as well as their families.
TOFS works tirelessly to ensure that no family faces this diagnosis alone, funding specialist nurses, resources, and long-term support for children and adults living with the condition. Their work makes a real difference at some of the most challenging times.
Running 13.1 miles is a huge personal challenge for me, but it’s nothing compared to what those affected by TOF/OA face every day. Any donation, big or small, will help TOFS continue their incredible work and support families when they need it most.
Thomas Burke
I am taking part in the Great North Run and in doing so I am raising money for TOFs. TOFs is a charity that has helped my family out greatly from 2015 when my son Thomas was born.
Thomas was born with Oesophageal atresia and tracheo-oesophageal fistula.He was went through numerous surgeries from birth, and countless hospital visits.
I have chosen to raise funds for this charity as a token of appreciation for the work they do. All funds raised go directly to the TOFs charity and help provide help and support for the families effected by this condition.
Come along and cheer on our Great North Runners!
We are very proud that we have both TOFS allocated and own place runners training hard for the Great North Run in Newcastle this year, all in aid of TOFS. Our sincere thanks to them all.
Why noy come along and join us to cheer on our amazing running heroes on Sunday 13th September?
No experience necessary, just lots of enthusiasm, and together we can make the TOFS stand a noisy spectacle.
We plan to be very close to Heworth Interchange Metro Station (which also has a large car park – bear in mind road closures).
When you arrive at Heworth Interchange, face the A184 (running route). We will be on the opposite side to the metro station (see map). Access is via an underpass.
Look out for our banners and flags!
Finish Line
Bear in mind that the metro stations will be busy on race day. The nearest station to the finish line is South Shields. The route to the finish line is clearly signed and around a 20 minute walk from South Shields Metro.
Phone signal is very poor due to the masses, so a well planned meeting point is advised. Look out for the A-Z banners and stand by the first letter of the runner’s surname.
