From Kidney Donor to Great North Runner

A remarkable act of kindness hasn’t stopped Tricia from taking on 13.1 miles for REMAP. After recovering from major surgery, she’s back in training for the Great North Run.

Tricia shares her story:

I am somewhat a reluctant runner! I got into running in 2025 when my daughter decided she wanted to do the Great North Run and needed someone to train with. I had never run since my school cross country days, so Couch to 5k was a shock to the system! 

Fast forward to April 2026 and my training came to an abrupt halt when a friend of mine needed a kidney donation. The months of testing showed I was a match so on 30th April, I hung up my trainers and donated my kidney to her.

Recovery from major surgery was tough and I was advised to not run for 6 weeks.

6 weeks of not running, not training, not working out has been a challenge in itself but now I’m back to the original challenge in hand, that 13.1 miles!

I’m pleased to be running and fundraising for REMAP, I like to help smaller charities, where you can see the difference fundraising makes, the big ones get lots of support.
 
Their volunteers change lives and it’s good to help people.

Returning to training after major surgery is no small feat, but Tricia is determined to cross the Great North Run finish line. If you’re able to donate, you’ll be helping Tricia take on this challenge while raising vital funds for REMAP.

Support Tricia