Carolyn Forster nominated for Bupa Great North Run Award

Mar 31 2010 by Kim Carmichael, The Journal

BUOYED by the incredible atmosphere, Carolyn Forster was jubilant as she crossed the Great North Run finish line.

Wheeling her way to success, the 46-year-old had come a long way since her back injury the previous year.

With a need to break the disability stereotype and a hope to inspire others, wheelchair user Carolyn had pushed herself the length of the 13-mile journey.

The mum-of-two, an occupational therapist at Newcastle-based charity Disability North, was supported by her friend and manager Dianne Cowen and husband Steve.

The trio managed a time of just over three hours and have now vowed to continue to take part every year and prove that disabled people can enjoy the same activities as everyone else.

And for her dedication, grandmother-of-one Carolyn, of Denton Burn, Newcastle, has been nominated for the Bupa Great North Run Award, in association with The Journal.

Carolyn, who had mobility problems before a prolapsed disk caused her condition to worsen, said: “Following a back injury, I became a wheelchair user in September 2008.

“I am a disability awareness trainer and thought that by completing the Great North Run, I could inspire other disabled people and show that if you set your mind to something, there shouldn’t be anything to stop you.