25 years ago, Tori ran the Great North Run with 4 university flatmates in honour of her mum. This year, she returned to the start line for her mum, but also for Elaine, one of the flatmates she had run alongside years before. Tori shares why the race is so special to her, how she prepared for the big day, and why she continues to run for Breast Cancer Now.
Tell us about yourself
I’m from the Northeast and I’m proud that my region hosts the Great North Run. It’s the world’s biggest half-marathon, and a race that’s always been close to my heart.
When did you start running for Breast Cancer Now?
I ran my first Great North Run in 2000 whilst studying at Newcastle University, along with my 4 housemates. We ran in memory of my fabulous mam, who had passed from breast cancer 3 years earlier.
Fast forward 25 years, and I was back at the start line running for Breast Cancer Now again. I was still running in memory of my mam, but in a strange twist of fate, also in honour of one of those housemates.
My amazing friend Elaine received her breast cancer diagnosis at the end of 2024. Her diagnosis was such a shock. She was diagnosed at the age of 46 – the same age as my mam when she passed.
How did you support your friend Elaine?
It’s been my privilege to support her throughout the treatment journey, and her strength throughout has been astonishing.
As a friend, the Breast Cancer Now Forum has been a massive help. There’s a huge amount of information on treatment and advice on how I can best offer support.
When I accompanied Elaine for her last chemo session, I was moved to see that the information leaflets she received were from Breast Cancer Now. It made fundraising for this incredible charity feel so worthwhile. So I signed up to run the Great North Run for the charity yet again in September 2025.
Tell us about your fundraising journey
I’m lucky to have a great relationship with the people I work with, and they’ve been so invested in my training and fundraising from start to finish. Telling people why the charity is so special to me has been key to getting sponsors, as well as explaining what Breast Cancer Now does and the impact of their research.
For my friends and family, I held a ‘Pink Party’. Everyone wore something pink, and we had a variety of games which I charged an entry fee to take part in. It’s amazing what a little competition does to drum up extra sponsors from the competitive lot!
How did you train for the Great North Run?
Training for the actual run can be tough at times, but it’s crucial for staying injury-free. It can be hard to stick to a training plan when it’s cold and rainy outside.
I’ve found that running with a buddy and having specific training days really helps. Running apps can be helpful too, as they let your supporters follow your progress and create accountability. Sometimes a little kick up the bottom is needed!
When you're getting ready for the big day, building up the distance is key. And always listen to your body! Pushing yourself too hard and too quickly will cause an injury.
What’s it like to run the Great North Run?
Newcastle on race day is unmatched - there’s so much buzz!
The people of the Northeast always come out in force to show their support, and you can expect cheers, jelly babies, high fives, and ‘oggy oggy oggies’ the whole length of the course. This is what the event is all about – a region united in support of the runners, fuelling and sharing the pride felt by everyone. Having your name called out by strangers, especially the little ones, is always so special.
You’ll hit the ‘big climb’ at mile 11, but it’s worth it for the joy of seeing the sea at mile 12. Remember to pace yourself for that last mile, though – it may be flat and joyous, but it’s still a full mile! When you hit the finish line, exhaustion is quickly replaced by an overwhelming sense of pride.
How do you feel at the end of the race?
The wave of emotions at the end is always such a unique feeling – a mixture of achievement and joy, but also a deep sense of sadness for those I’m running for – those going through breast cancer now, those who are yet to face it, and those who are no longer with us.
It’s these feelings that inspire me to sign up for the next challenge and tie up my laces on those difficult mornings! I’ve even convinced my running buddy to come to the start line with me in 2026.
Run for an amazing cause
Sign up for the Great North Run 2026 and, like Tori, you can feel the buzz of the race. All while raising funds for life-changing support and life-saving research.