A UNIVERSITY student is to take on the Great North Run to raise money in memory of her grandfather.
Hannah Dixon, from Tanfield Lea, near Stanley will be running as part of Team Diabetes UK when she tackles the half marathon for the fourth time on Sunday, September 13.
The 21-year-old, who studies at Newcastle University, will be running in honour of her late grandfather Joe, who died on Christmas Eve last year following complications related to diabetes.
HAPPY: Hannah as a child with her grandfather Joe
She said: “This year I wanted to do the Great North Run in memory of my Grandad.
“He lived with Type Two diabetes for 16 years before he died and so I wanted to do this year’s race for him.”
Hannah, who is about to start her final year for a degree in cellular and molecular biology, hopes to raise £500 on the run but also wants to raise awareness of the condition.
She said: “We weren’t fully aware of how severe the complications that often arise from diabetes can be and how quickly they can develop.
“I hope that by running for Diabetes UK I can help others living with the condition and make people aware of how serious a condition diabetes can be.”
Louise Simonian, Diabetes UK Regional Fundraiser for the North East, said: “Competing in the Great North Run is no mean feat, and requires a lot of training and dedication.
“We’re really grateful to Hannah for joining Team Diabetes UK and raising vital funds to help people living with diabetes”.
She added: “Our much-needed work wouldn’t be possible without incredible fundraisers, like Hannah.”
To sponsor Hannah, visit https://www.justgiving.com/HannahDixonGNR
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