Mariners Run the Great North Run for a South Shields Cancer Charity

There were some familiar faces among the runners pounding down to the coast at this year's Great North Run. On Sunday 13 September, three figures from South Shields FC tackled the world's biggest half marathon to raise money for a cancer charity on the club's own doorstep.

Technical director Chris Bell, commercial director Carl Mowatt and the club's new co-owner Shao Junwei all took to the start line in Newcastle for the 13.1-mile route that finishes on the South Shields seafront. Carl Mowatt ran the whole way dressed as Sandy the Mariner, the club's official mascot, which is no small feat in a costume over that distance.

Running for Cancer Connections

The trio were raising funds for Cancer Connections, a volunteer-run charity based at 258 Harton Lane in South Shields. It offers a home-from-home for anyone affected by cancer, with free drop-in support, therapies and counselling for patients, carers and the bereaved across South Tyneside.

Shao Junwei, part of the international group that took majority ownership of the Mariners over the summer, completed the course on one of his first visits to the town. Afterwards he met the Cancer Connections team to hear more about their work in the community.

Best for: Cancer Connections runs from 258 Harton Lane, NE34 6DR. All of its support is free, and it welcomes anyone living with cancer, caring for someone, or coping with a bereavement.

A club rooted in the town

The run is the latest example of South Shields FC putting its weight behind local causes rather than distant ones. Choosing a small South Shields charity, and turning up in the mascot suit to do it, says a good deal about how the Mariners see their place in the town.

If you fancy following in their footsteps, the club, its foundation and Cancer Connections all take on fundraisers through the year, and every pound stays close to home.

The fundraiser was reported by the Shields Gazette.

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