Great North Run heroes shortlisted

Apr 7 2010 by Kim Carmichael, The Journal

SHEER determination, hard work, and unbreakable spirit impressed the judges in this year’s search for our Great North Run hero.

Since we asked you to help us celebrate the unsung stories that help to make the famous half marathon one of the world’s most-loved sporting events, we have been inundated with entries.

And today we announce the finalists who will go forward in the hope of claiming the Bupa Great North Run Award at this year’s Hall of Fame charity dinner.

NHS manager Martin Crosby, from Gosforth, Newcastle, is in with a chance of completing his 13th Great North Run with the award under his belt.

Martin, 41, struggled to even shower in July following a golf ball-sized brain tumour. But training for the run inspired the father-of-two back to health, helping him to shed three stone of the weight gained after the tumour stopped him from being able to tell when he is full.

Martin was nominated by his wife Rhonda, who won the award herself in 2008. Rhonda decided to run in 2007 after she lost her father to cancer in 2006 and then her mother was diagnosed with the disease. She raised money for cancer charity Macmillan.

Also in the running to pick up the prize is Carolyn Forster, from Denton Burn, Newcastle. Mum-of-two Carolyn, 46, has needed to use a wheelchair since 2008.