STAFF at a cafe had a day of drama as they competed in the Great North Run to raise money for hospital wards.

Cafe quartet Gemma Brighty, Louise Matthews, Rachel Andrews and Ashley Shea, from Jean’s Kitchen in the Dundas Indoor Market in Middlesbrough, took part in the course to raise money for James Cook University Hospital.

However, Gemma fell and cut her head after tripping in a pothole just two miles into the half marathon race.

After needing hospital treatment and stitches in a head wound, she was forced to drop out of the run.

The final three completed the course, with experienced runner Louise clocking 2 hours 4 minutes. Novices Rachel and Ashley, who only started training in January, were an hour behind.

Despite Gemma's accident, the women exceeded their target of £2,000 and the money will be split between departments at the hospital which have treated members of their families.

After her marathon accident, Gemma said she is now recovering well from her injury and disappointment.