My Activity Tracking
365
kms
I'm taking part in the Great North Run 2026 as part of #TeamStroke
In September 2026, I’ll be taking on the Great North Run in support of The Stroke Association — a challenge that means far more to me than covering 13.1 miles.
Stroke is something that has woven itself through our family story over many years. I’ve seen first-hand how suddenly life can change, and how deeply it affects not just one person, but everyone who loves them.
Most recently, my late Nanny suffered a stroke and years before, my late Grandad experienced the same cruel disruption to his life, as did my uncle. Each time, our family learned how devastating and far-reaching the impact of stroke can be.
But the moment that truly changed everything for us came in 2018.
My wife was just 31 years old when she suffered a stroke — something no one ever expects at that age. What doctors believe began as a simple sinus infection travelled into her brain, turning our world upside down overnight. We faced three long weeks of uncertainty, fear, and waiting, all while trying to stay strong for our two-year-old child. Those weeks felt endless.
Against the odds, she pulled through. Today, we are incredibly grateful that she has no lasting physical effects — a result we know so many families don’t get. That experience left us with a deep awareness of just how fragile life can be, and how vital research, awareness, and support truly are.
I’m running this race for my Nanny, my grandfather, my uncle, my wife — and for every family facing the life-altering reality of stroke. Every mile is a reminder of how fortunate we are, and how important it is to support those who aren’t as lucky.
Thank you for reading, for supporting, and for helping The Stroke Association continue their vital work. Together, we can help more families find hope on the other side of stroke
My Achievements
Fundraising page set up
Added a profile pic
Made a donation
Shared your page
Reached 50% of target
Reached fundraising target
Why am I doing this challenge?
Tuesday 31st MarIn September 2026, I’ll be taking on the Great North Run in support of The Stroke Association — a challenge that means far more to me than covering 13.1 miles.
Stroke is something that has woven itself through our family story over many years. I’ve seen first-hand how suddenly life can change, and how deeply it affects not just one person, but everyone who loves them.
Most recently, my late Nanny suffered a stroke and years before, my late Grandad experienced the same cruel disruption to his life, as did my uncle. Each time, our family learned how devastating and far-reaching the impact of stroke can be.
But the moment that truly changed everything for us came in 2018.
My wife was just 31 years old when she suffered a stroke — something no one ever expects at that age. What doctors believe began as a simple sinus infection travelled into her brain, turning our world upside down overnight. We faced three long weeks of uncertainty, fear, and waiting, all while trying to stay strong for our two-year-old child. Those weeks felt endless.
Against the odds, she pulled through. Today, we are incredibly grateful that she has no lasting physical effects — a result we know so many families don’t get. That experience left us with a deep awareness of just how fragile life can be, and how vital research, awareness, and support truly are.
I’m running this race for my Nanny, my grandfather, my uncle, my wife — and for every family facing the life-altering reality of stroke. Every mile is a reminder of how fortunate we are, and how important it is to support those who aren’t as lucky.
Thank you for reading, for supporting, and for helping The Stroke Association continue their vital work. Together, we can help more families find hope on the other side of stroke
ShareThank you to my sponsors
£106
Steeles Fuel Freight Ltd
£53
Rachael Bleakley
Best of luck Marc, great cause!
£50
Kenny Rice
You've got this!! You've done all the hard work and we're so proud of you. Xx
£50
Sean Cunningham
Good on you son 👍
£45.10
Di Scott
£31.80
Louise Mcmahon
Good Luck Marc!! Such an amazing cause and close to heart. You can do it!!!!
£28.44
Keith Hynds
Best of luck Marc!
£25
Dermot Walsh
£25
Alan Tumilty
Keep ‘er lit on the Toon big lawd 🏃♂️ Howay the Lads!
£25
Joe Hanna
Best of luck Marco, we are with you every step of the way
£25
Margaret Furst
£23.45
Priscilla Clark
Well done Marc x
£23.45
Lauren Kettyle
Good luck Marc 💪
£21.84
Diane & Paul Walker
Good luck Marc
£21.84
Chris Magill
Good luck Marc!
£21.20
Andrew Graham
£21.20
Evelyn Rice
£21.20
Laura Evans
£21.20
Stephen Black
You'll smash it chum.
£21.20
Neil Wylie
Good Luck
£21.20
Thomas Fairfield
Good luck Marc
£21.20
Clare H
Good luck!
£20
Kieran & Linda
Good luck Marc
£20
Angela
Marc, so sorry to hear about Patsy 😭 it just goes to show even though she was fit and healthy a stroke can affect anyone. Well done for doing this xx
£20
Gary Braithwaite
Best of luck mate
£20
Neil Wylie
Best wishes
£20
Jackie D
Good luck Marc.
£20
Aideen Steele
Best of luck Marc…..not that you need it!! Just enjoy it and what a great reason to run!!
£20
Maria Lyons
Go smash it Marc 💙
£20
Lisa Walshe
Well done Marc! Chris and Lee x
£20
Sherene Masterson
Best of Luck Marc! A fantastic cause!
£20
Ryan Kennedy
Go smash it mate🙌🏼
£15
Judy
Best of luck Marc , and well done on running for this great charity
£15
Margaret O'hare
Great charity, good luck Marc
£12.25
Tracey Mcveigh
Good luck Marc! We're with you in spirit 💪
£12.25
Sam Lavery
Best of luck Marc with the run
£12.25
Deborah Daly
Best of luck Marc!
£10.60
Lisa Robinson
Well done Marc, super proud of you
£10.60
The Lewis Crew
Fair play mate. Well done
£10.60
Catherine And Katie
Good luck Mark!
£10
Ashleigh Beggs
Good luck Marc! Hope it all goes well!
£10
Anonymous
£10
Lindsay Patterson
Good luck!
£10
Clare Barker
£10
Anonymous
£10
Wnr Emz
Have a fab run! You can do it 🤙🏼👌🏼
£10
Emma Hume
Well done Marc such an amazing achievement for a great cause! You’ll smash it!
£10
Sandra Deane
Food luck Marc, the hard work is done,.time for you to boss it! 💙
£10
Gina Quinn
Go smash it 🙌
£10
Stu
£10
Rooney
£5.30
Janine
Good luck for your run. An amazing cause ❤️
Good luck Marc