Rainbows staff take on iconic marathon

Three members of the Rainbows Care Team are lacing up their trainers and heading north to take part in the world’s biggest half marathon.

Philip Yorkstone, Andy Chandler and Jess Hutton, all work within our Care Team. But on Sunday 11 September they will be swapping their scrubs for running vests to take on the Great North Run.

Andy, a Nurse Associate, has never considered himself a runner but last year, he started Couch to 5k and has taken it to another level. “I am nervously excited about it if that makes sense, but it makes me feel better that Philp and Jess will be there and this event is really important to me,” he said.

“I am hoping our families will support us. They know us; they know we look after their children and we want them to be proud of us.”

For Physiotherapist Philip, this will be the third time he has taken part in the Great North Run. He said: “I think it is the most iconic, greatest, mass participation event. I am a huge lover of sport and standing in crowds of 60,000 people and watching is amazing; actually standing with 60,000 people and doing it together is something else.

“We are so passionate about the work we do that we want to get Rainbows out there so others can be aware of what we do.”

Billed as one of the most iconic half marathons in the world, we still have running places for the event. By signing up to run on behalf of our charity, sponsorship will be helping to support babies, children and young people with terminal and life-limiting illnesses, and their families.

Band 6 Nurse Jessica Hutton added: “I have worked at Rainbows for the past five years and enjoyed every minute of it. I completed the Great North Run for Rainbows last year and couldn’t wait to do it again. The money raised is essential for us to continue to deliver the much needed care for our children and young people.”

To snap up one of the final few places, visit rainbows.co.uk/gnr22