As the Great North Run celebrates its 45th anniversary, Joel will be lacing up his trainers to take on this world-famous half marathon for the 13th time. A keen runner, he’s aiming to complete the race in around 1 hour 35 mins, all whilst raising funds for St Oswald’s Hospice.
Joel said, “This year will be the first Great North Run without my wife, Mairi Claire by my side. Come rain or shine, she would be there, waving and cheering from her vantage point on the Tyne Bridge, and sometimes, she’d even make the dash across to South Shields to cheer me over the finish line, too.”
Having lived with cancer for fifteen years, Mairi Claire, 42, was admitted to St Oswald’s Hospice in February 2026, where she spent her final days.
Reflecting on this time, Joel said, “Mairi Claire was treated with such care, compassion, respect and dignity by the whole team. I can’t express the gratitude we feel, knowing that Mairi Claire was comfortable and at peace in those last hours of her life.”
Whilst at the Hospice, Mairi Claire was able to discuss her wishes with the care team and in particular, the bereavement team, who would later provide support for the family, including the couple’s six year old son, Patrick.
In the weeks and months since her death, both Joel and Patrick have continued to attend the Hospice for bereavement support, something which Joel says has been ‘invaluable’.
When reflecting on the difference hospice care has made in their lives, Joel said, “In 2018, my dad died of cancer in a hospital ward. When I compare this to our experience at St Oswald’s, it’s almost incomparable.
Specialist Palliative Care Nurses make all the difference; they know what to say, they have time to spend with you, and they just ‘get it’. The staff all cared so deeply for us and showed us all so much kindness.
There were so many special touches, such as the chef and kitchen team being able to cater to Mairi Claire’s needs.
Whilst at the hospice, Mairi Claire’s family flew over from Ireland and Germany to be with us, including her dad Michael, and her brothers Michael Óg and Aidan. The size of the room and the privacy this afforded us meant we could all be together for Mairi Claire. Gemma, Mairi Claire’s sister and best friend, was able to stay overnight with her, too.”
Looking ahead to the Great North Run, Joel is ready and pleased to be part of Team St Oswald’s.
Joel added, “Mairi Claire would be so happy to know that, in her name, money could be raised to help other people receive the same care in their final days.”
To date, Joel’s fundraising for St Oswald’s Hospice has reached almost £12,000. A huge thank you to the family and friends, and wider community who have supported and donated so far.
If you’re inspired to take on the Great North Run in 2027, click here where you can secure your spot and help support families like Joel’s.
