As the Great North Run approaches, Action Foundation is gearing up for another successful year with the support of two dedicated staff members running as part of our 25-strong team.
Celia, aka “the Mighty Bouch,” is back and better than ever, rejoining #TeamActionFoundation for the third time.
Formerly a Drop-in Coordinator with the Interaction Team, Celia has recently stepped into the role of Interaction Manager.
Celia’s return to our GNR team has been warmly welcomed, especially for her running prowess and recruitment skills.
This year, she has also persuaded her boyfriend, Adam Wood, and family friend, Lily Clarke, to join the team.
Celia and Adam
“I think the Great North Run is an excellent opportunity to support charities from the region and I am always proud of how charities such as Action Foundation play a huge role in the North East welcoming migrants amid an increasingly hostile climate.”
Mark, a former Action Foundation trustee and now Head of Client Services, shared the same sentiment.
“So many run the GNR for worthy causes that seek to bring about social change. I think it is so important to care for the ‘stranger amongst us’; this is what Action Foundation is all about,” he said.
Mark presenting at a networking event
“I have been connected to Action Foundation for many years so raising funds for them really fits with my motivation to help those who are new to the UK.”
Ready, set, run
Celia is no stranger to long-distance running. “This year is my seventh Great North Run and ninth half-marathon,” she said.
Being from the North East, The Great North Run takes pride of place in her annual calendar. “It’s uniquely special for its display of regional pride and immense support for those taking part.”
Mark, too, has his share of running experience. “Running used to be my favourite sport and I managed to run a few marathons in the distant past, but I now focus on cycling and rowing,” he said.
Celia at the GNR finish line in 2023
Having completed the GNR twice before, with his last run in 2022, again for Action Foundation, he recalled the excitement of the race. “The crowds are great, but don’t try to run a personal best – there are too many other runners to take the shortest route!”
For Celia, running is an integral part of her routine. “Running is ever-present in my life, which makes training for the Great North Run far less daunting,” she explained.
She typically does a practice run just shy of the 13.1 miles about a month before the event, ensuring she’s prepared for race day.
Mark agreed, “Work up to a single distance of 10-11 miles. There’s no need to run more, as the extra two or three miles just ‘happen’ on the day.”
“Something that I would recommend to all runners is, once you have run your race and are back at home fed and showered, go back and watch the day’s television coverage. I do this every year, and it is wonderful learning about the thousands of stories unfolding in one race.”
Mark also wanted to encourage those interested to join the Action Foundation Running Club, which meets on Wednesday evenings at 5pm.
“We meet on the Quayside under the Swing Bridge and run out and back on the North or South side of the Tyne.
Each person runs at their own pace for 10-15 minutes and then turns back. This way, we all finish around the same time, ready for chips and a pint together!”
Mark, right, at the first Action Foundation running club meet
You can support Celia and Mark through their fundraising pages below:
Celia: Action Foundation: Running for Action Foundation! (enthuse.com)
