Nursing lecturer is on the run again for charity this weekend

A nursing lecturer shows that time heals all running injuries by signing up for his seventh stint taking on the Great North Run this weekend.

John Turnbull, Subject Lead for Learning Disability Nursing at University of Northampton, is aiming to raise £500 for charity Cavell Nurses’ Trust.

Also running this year is second year Adult Nursing student Sarah O’Connor, who is taking part in aid of Tommy’s Charity.

She was inspired to do so by Adult Nursing graduate Jess Jennings-Bland, who took part in the run with John last year.

The Great North Run is a 13.1 mile route that starts in Newcastle upon Tyne and takes runners through the city centre, finishing at Gateshead.

This year, it falls on Sunday 9 September, starting at 10:40am and John and Sarah are hoping to complete the run in 2 hrs 25 mins and 3 hours respectively.

John, whose running number is 41067, said: “Some may say I’m a glutton for punishment, or perhaps a marathon-masochist, but as this is in aid of a charity who do brilliant work supporting our nurses during difficult times, I can’t wait to hit the track again.”

Sarah, running number 54008, added: “Hearing about Jess’ run last year convinced me to sign up for the Great North Run to raise funds for Tommy’s. 13 miles seems daunting when you see the course map, but I’m feeling ready and hope people can get behind us by supporting our good causes.”

Cavell Nurses’ Trust supports UK nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants, both working and retired, when they’re suffering personal or financial hardship.

Tommy’s Charity funds research into stillbirth, premature birth and miscarriage and providing information for parents to be.

You can tune in and watch the run from 9:30am on BBC1 this Sunday morning.

Donate to John’s charity here.

Donate to Sarah’s charity here.