A 101-year-old from Gateshead could well have been the oldest spectator supporting those taking part in the Great North Run last weekend - and her family paid tribute the care staff who have transformed her life in the year since she moved in.
Evelyn McDonald had lived in Leam Lane for years before moving into Priory Court in Wardley last year - at the grand old age of 100. With the support of kind staff at the supported living accommodation, she was by the side of the Great North Run route on Sunday handing out sweets to runners as they approached the finish in South Shields.
Evelyn's great-granddaughter Victoria Bewick said she had been thrilled to be back at the race, as before mobility issues worsened she had loved supporting runners every September. Evelyn said she was "over the moon" to share her story, and that "all the runners were brilliant to watch".
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Victoria added: "She's 101 coming up to 102! When she moved into Priory Court we had our reservations just as you do, but it was absolutely the best thing and the staff go above and beyond.
"Evelyn, like everyone else, has had a funny week. She was quite upset in light of the Queen 's death, being of quite a close age. She loved being at the run. She's the most upbeat person and she loves talking to anyone. She was sat there handing out sweets to the runners. When you go to see her she never lets you leave without a sweet in your hand."
She added that she was delighted by the support the staff at Housing 21-run Priory Court had been, and that after Evelyn's mobility had suffered over the last decade, she had been given a new lease of life since moving in.
Victoria added: "After almost a year there, it was the absolute best decision and that is down to the care a dedication of the staff. They work so hard with the residents. A lady who was living a very isolated life is now at weekly fitness classes, bingo and coffee mornings.
"It was the staff who took her along to watch the runners and hand out her toffees. Something she said she thought she wouldn't get to do again."
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