VETERAN runner Roly Sanderson has handed over £8,300 to a North East hospital after completing his 26th consecutive Great North Run.

Roly, an electrical craftsman at Rio Tinto Alcan’s Lynemouth power station, finished last year’s half marathon in an hour and 39 minutes – and has donated the money raised to the Great North Children’s Hospital at the RVI in Newcastle.

He handed it over during a recent visit to see the new state-of-the-art facilities for himself. Roly, 58, who lives in Ashington, said: “Facilities such as the paediatric intensive care unit are fantastic, providing specialist treatments for children suffering from kidney failure, meningitis or head injuries.

“It also offers a specially-built teenage cancer unit, a large outpatient department and accommodation for parents wishing to stay with their poorly child overnight.

“I’d like to thank my friends and colleagues who supported me, hopefully they will dig deep into their pockets once again when I run again this year.”

Over the 26 years, Roly has raised more than £127,000 for several local charities including the Children’s Heart Unit Fund (CHUF).

Pauline Buglass, head of fundraising at Newcastle Hospitals, said: “His generosity is helping us to create a world class hospital for children. On behalf of the hospital, patients and parents, I’d like to thank him for his kindness and support.”