'Great North Ron' - better known to his friends as Ron Snaith - is taking on his 41st Great North Run this weekend, even despite the traumatic news just two weeks ago that his cancer has returned.
Ron, 67, now lives in Ryton but was born and raised in Jarrow and worked in the shipyards for many years. He was first diagnosed with mesothelioma - a cancer of the lungs often linked to asbestos exposure - in 2018. Though he underwent surgery which successfully removed the tumours, this summer brought horrible news for Ron and his family: the cancer is back.
He's yet to start a new course of treatment, and is still keen to give a good show of himself as the Great North Run returns to its traditional route. This year, for the first time, he will be joined by his son Paul.
