Two Newcastle men are set to adorn a scale replica model of the Tyne Bridge as they look to raise funds for a charity close to their hearts in this year's Great North Run.
Friends Derick Jackson and Graham Ravenhall are running as part of Team Ewan, a group established to raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, following the birth of Graham's nephew, Ewan.
Ewan was born with Cystic Fibrosis, which is a genetic condition which causes sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system.
It affects more than 10,800 people in the UK with 1 in every 25 people carrying the gene that causes it, usually without knowing.
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Both runners will be competing to raise money to ensure Ewan is able to receive all the medication he might need in future while also raising money for research, as well as raising awareness.
The scale model of the Tyne Bridge which Derick and his friend Graham will wear while competing at this year’s Great North Run is also fitted with models of the Red Arrows which are a fixture at the iconic North East event.
The model itself was built by Graham, and although they cannot remember where the idea first came from, Derick now describes wearing it as an 'annual pilgrimage' with this being the 13th time he has adorned the replica of the landmark.
Derick said: "I'm not really sure where the idea came from or why I wanted to do the run wearing a model of the Tyne Bridge but I suppose running over it has become a bit of an annual pilgrimage as part of the Great North Run.
"I've done it thirteen times now and have got fed up of trying to beat the two hour mark, closest being 02:03:04 last year, so needed something a bit different this year."
He admitted that, while the process of dressing up does take the pressure off their finishing times somewhat, building the bridge with a busy lifestyle on top, more than makes up for it.
He added: "Dressing up takes some of the time pressure away, though building a bridge around a busy lifestyle adds a lot of it back again."
Unlike Derick, for Graham, this weekend will be the first time he has ever competed in the Great North Run. Although he admits he would not describe himself as a keen runner, he remains in good spirits ahead of his inaugural dash.
He said: "I'm a first time runner, long time bag carrier for Team Ewan. Running is not really my thing but I have become experienced over recent years in the logistics of getting to the end of it through the traffic and keeping an eye on everyone’s kids, bags, parents & dogs of those running.
"Carrying a bridge will, I expect be tricky enough for 13.1 miles but my main concern is Derick's playlist which I'll need to have full veto rights of!"
Currently for Ewan, aged four, Cystic Fibrosis means taking over thirty tablets per day, spending time doing physio twice a day and taking a daily nebuliser. This also increases for any periods of illness.
Ewan has extra precautions to avoid becoming unwell and when he is unwell can end up being admitted into hospital for intravenous antibiotics.
Ewan's mum Coleen Perry is also taking part on the day and spoke of her pride for the efforts of both runners ahead of the race.
She said: "We are hoping one day there will be less intense treatments and the need for medication will reduce as alternates are developed which will reduce the burdens and risks from Cystic Fibrosis.
"This can only be achieved with fundraising for The Cystic Fibrosis Trust to allow them to do research and also support those with this condition.
"Ewan's dad and I are so proud of all of the runners that part of the team but the bridge really is something else!"
For those who wish to donate, you can do so at the following link: www.justgiving.com/gnrtynebridge.
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