On Sunday 7 September, nearly 50 of our amazing supporters headed to Newcastle upon Tyne to run the 2025 AJ Bell Great North Run. Team Target is committed to raising vital funds to help us support everyone affected by ovarian cancer, and we want to congratulate all our runners for their fundraising efforts – and for crossing that finish line!
Meet Laura
This year marked Laura’s fifth consecutive Great North Run in memory of her sister Em. In August 2019, surrounded by family, Em passed away peacefully at just 26 years old.
Em was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at just 21. She was a true fitness fanatic, and I would always tell her how much I admired her ability to run – something I never believed I could do myself. Em is the strongest, most determined person I have ever known. During her time in remission, Em ran the Great North Run, and I’ll never stop being proud of her for that and all she achieved.
“In 2020, I never imagined I could ever run even 1k, let alone a half marathon. At first, it felt impossible, but thinking of Em gives me strength, and she's been with me through every mile. Every single step I take is for her.
“I run to raise awareness of ovarian cancer, which affects far too many women far too young. Ovarian cancer does not discriminate, and women of any age can be affected, regardless of living the healthiest lifestyle. More than anything, I run for Em. To honour her life, her strength, and her spirit. Being able to run and take part in something Em loved so deeply is a true blessing and something I will never take for granted. To say, "This is for you Em" is one of the greatest honours.”
Meet Andy
Andy had completed the Great North Run several times before with wife Stephanie. Sadly, this year was the first run without her after Stephanie passed away in September 2024. Team Stephanie was created to run in her memory, and Andy and friends have raised over £5,000 for Target Ovarian Cancer – an incredible achievement!
When my wife Steph was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, one of the most overwhelming feelings was that there was nothing I could do to help. Running was a shared passion of ours and I have lots of happy memories of doing the Great North Run together.
“Fundraising and running for Target Ovarian Cancer helps me feel like I can make a difference, in a way that was meaningful to us both. It means I get to remember her every year and feel like I can make a difference for other women diagnosed with this devastating disease. The team at Target Ovarian Cancer are great to work with, and of course they know just what I’ve been through.”
Meet Lewis
Lewis and his wife Emma, self-declared beginners when it came to running, decided to challenge themselves after his mum Heather was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
My mum was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in spring 2024. After a round of chemo and a course of unsuccessful preventative drugs, she made the very brave decision to forego any other treatment and put quality of life over quantity. Throughout her journey, she utilised Target Ovarian Cancer’s resources to help her come to terms with and understand the illness.
“We watched her tackle everything with such positivity and decided we wanted to challenge ourselves. As Mother’s Day was approaching, we thought we’d surprise mum by telling her we’d signed up to the Great North Run. We are not runners, it does not come naturally to us, but she was such a wonderful cheerleader - always commenting on our Strava after training runs. Sadly, she never got to watch us cross the finish line. Instead, we ran the 13.1 miles in her memory and thought of her whenever we wanted to stop.
“My dad was there at the finish line. It was very emotional and overwhelming, but it felt like such an achievement. I hope we did mum proud. It was great seeing the Target Ovarian Cancer team at the tent as well; the hot drinks and snacks were very welcome!”
Meet Josie
Local girl Josie was excited to take on such an iconic race in her own neighbourhood – especially for a cause so close to her heart!
I had an amazing day and the support from fellow Target Ovarian Cancer runners was unbelievable. The staff team at the charity tent were also fabulous, making me a cup of tea and chatting. I found the whole day wholesome and uplifting.
“To run for you guys meant a lot to me as my mum passed away 24 years ago from ovarian cancer. I ran my fastest time yet so it must have meant something!”
Feeling inspired?
If you’ve been inspired by the Great North Run 2025 and are looking to take on a challenge, then please do get in touch.
There are so many events still to come this year, including our very own Ovar-Dressed London this October. Looking to 2026, there is the London Landmarks Half Marathon on 12 April and the Manchester Marathon on 19 April – as well as many more.
If you’re interested in joining us for the Great North Run 2026, you register your interest on our website.
