Runners motivated by the bad times

Sep 21 2009 By The Journal

For 71-year-old Robert Chilton, who has completed the Great North Run 24 times, this year was about raising awareness of prostate cancer, a disease he was successfully treated for last year.

Robert, of Washington, Tyne and Wear, said: "I’ve completed 24 Great North Runs in my time and I’m so proud that this time I’m running for the Prostate Cancer Charity. It will really help me pick up the pace on those difficult hills."

Apprentice winner Yasmina Siadatan was supporting the Alzheimer’s Society in honour of her aunt, who suffers from the disease.

Yasmina said: "My aunt has Alzheimer’s Disease and was only 55 when she was diagnosed with this devastating illness.

"I feel privileged to be able to run to help raise awareness and funds for other families affected by dementia."

It is estimated that more than 500 charities will benefit from the runners’ efforts yesterday.