Ioan and I will be running the 2026 Great North Run in memory of our fantastic cousin/nephew Jon. In May 2025, Jon collapsed whilst running the Bristol half-marathon and passed away due to sudden adult death syndrome. Jon was an exceptional athlete and at 28 years old, his death was a profound and terrible shock for family and friends.

Jon was a constant source of warmth and fun for all of those fortunate to spend time with him. He threw absolutely everything into anything he did, travelling the world in his job with Red Bull F1 racing, playing rugby at national league level and of course running wherever and whenever he could. And that brings us to the Great North Run. This was Jon’s favourite half marathon, made by the warmth and enthusiasm of the fantastic people of the North East.

Alongside family and friends, Ioan and I hope to honour Jon’s memory by running the Great North Run whilst raising funds for the fantastic Matt Hampson Foundation, which does vital work supporting young sports men and women recovering from serious injury. Providing expert physiotherapy, specialist personal training, support, mentoring and advice, the foundation helps so many people with life-changing injuries to get busy living again.

As we get stuck into training and look forward to taking part in the world’s biggest half marathon on 13th September, we know that Jon will be with us every step of the way. We hope that you can support us and the Matt Hampson Foundation in any way you can. Thank you for any donations you can make for a great charity that does such important and inspiring work.