Photos just in this week remind us of one of Britain’s happiest sporting events this summer – even though, as many of us saw on TV, it took place in the rain.
Thank you Charlotte Davis for celebrating your recovery from chronic fatigue syndrome by taking part in the Great North Run on 9th September to raise money for the ME Association.
The cellular molecular biology scientist is seen striking a pose with friend Ruby while they walked through the grounds of Newcastle University on their way to the start of the race.
The 29-year-old, who graduated with first class honours from the university, told us this week:
“I finished it in 2 hours 29 minutes, so was pretty pleased with that!
“It was hard work but was a great atmosphere (despite the rain) and running with my friends Ruby, Matt and Lauren, and my brother Jack, spurred me on. A total of £500 raised for the ME association. Would love to do it again in some better weather, hopefully.”
Charlotte was 17 and working towards her A-levels when she had throat and gland infections which never seemed to go away. She managed to get good enough grades in her biology, chemistry and maths exams to be accepted by Leeds University to study biology.
But she was unable to complete the course and returned home to Jarrow when what had by now been diagnosed as CFS overwhelmed her.
Rather than returning to Leeds when she felt a bit better, she got a place instead at Newcastle University – closer to her home in Jarrow – where she obtained her First.
Photos show: Charlotte and Ruby strike a pose on their way to the race; with their GNR medals after running the race; Charlotte with her brother Jack; group selfie with their friends.
For the past five years, Charlotte has worked for an international clinical diagnostics company.
At the end of July, she enjoyed a visit to Chicago where she exhibited at the annual conference of the Washington DC-based Association for Diagnostics and Laboratory Medicine, combined with some running and sightseeing.
Just before the race, she had told us:
“I lived with post-glandular fever CFS for around five years during some of the most important years of my life. The ME Association was an important resource for me during that time and they fund vital research. I’m one of the lucky ones who have been fortunate enough to recover but I do realise that a lot of people don’t.”
Thanks for the photos, Charlotte. They’re great! We’ll be applying for as many Great North Run charity places as we can get when they’re put out to offer later in the year. We do hope you will be able to join us again.
Charlotte's fundraising page is still open for donations. If you would like to add something to her £500, please visit
https://www.justgiving.com/page/charlottegnr2024
Tony Britton
Senior Fundraising Consultant, The ME Association
tony.britton@meassociation.org.uk Mob: 07393 805566
