This year, I am running the Great North Run for the Tynemouth Voluteer Life Brigade (TVLB) who provide a coastal Search and Rescue service 24-7 all year round across North Tyneside.

This charity could not be closer to the hearts of myself and my family. In June 2023, they were called to help with the rescue of my brother who had sustained a spinal cord injury whilst swimming at King Edward’s Bay. Joey was doing what many people living locally do, enjoying the beach and the water. Although we are so lucky to live where we do, it does come with its dangers and this charity is lead by dedicated volunteers, costing around £35,000 a year to run. Without this team of people, the outcome of Joey’s story would undoubtedly be very different. We will never be able to show our gratitude enough for them and want to keep supporting this amazing charity in any way we can to try and express our sincere thanks.

By June this year, the TVLB had attended over 100 callouts and is on track for it to be their busiest year on record. Please consider supporting me and this charity. They put themselves on the line to save others and provide a vital service in the area we live.

Joey has gone on to make a recovery that none of us thought was possible at the time of his accident - this has been down to sheer determination from him throughout along with the care he received from a range of professionals. However, none of this would have been possible without the response of the TVLB at the time. I’m still not a runner so this is a challenge, but if Joey could learn to walk again, I can get myself round this.

Many thanks,

Gina