Open letter to the people of Newcastle, Gateshead and South Shields.

Wow! I have just returned home to Elgin after taking part in the Great North Run for the first time.

To say the event blew me and my brother Steven away is an understatement.

I felt compelled to put fingers to keyboard to express our thanks and admiration for all those involved in the organisation of such a wonderful event, the other competitors, and the legions of supporters who lined the 13.1 mile route.

My nephew Murdo has received life-saving operations and treatment at the Royal Victoria Infirmary and Freeman Hospital since he was born in December 2016.

Taking part in the Great North Run was our way to say thank you and between us we have raised around £2,700, predominantly for the Sick Children’s Trust but also the Children’s Heart Unit Foundation and Save the Children.

The atmosphere over the weekend was something special, starting with the GNR sleepover in Newcastle University’s sports hall.

The slick organisation was first class.

The camaraderie among the competitors was brilliant and made the gruelling 13.1 miles much more bearable.

Last but not least, the people of Newcastle , Gateshead and South Shields – what wonderful support along the way. It was amazing and a real morale-booster when the going got a little tough now and then.

High-fiving scores of smiling children and the shouts of encouragement; not to mention the never-ending supply of jelly babies and other sweets and treats; added up to one of the best weekends ever.

So to everyone who gave Team Murdo a cheer along the way, thank you so much and give yourselves a pat on the back.

Yours Chris Saunderson

Elgin, Moray