HE inspired the region with his 3,100-mile cross-country charity challenge.

Now Run Geordie Run hero Mark Allison has become the face of the Journal’s Great North Fitness Revolution.

The 40-year-old, who last week made a triumphant return from America after running across the country in 100 days, will be an ambassador for our campaign to improve the health of the region.

Mark, from Shotley Bridge, in County Durham, who lost five stone during his journey, is now hoping to use his amazing feat to encourage others on the road to fitness.

Mark dedicated the run to his father Terry, who died of cancer in 1988, and brother David, killed by a brain haemorrhage in 1998.

Mark, who is married to Katy, 38, and has a son Jack, eight, has raised more than £85,000 for St Benedict’s Hospice in Sunderland and the Children’s Foundation.

He said: “I think the Great North Fitness Revolution is a fantastic idea.

“It’s such an important issue and I think it’s a chance to make a real difference.

“Obesity is an epidemic. I saw a lot of it when I was in America and I think the UK and the North East is in a way becoming like that.

“We need to address this now, as ten years down the line, this epidemic will put a lot of strain on our health services.