A STUDENT from Corbridge has raised £800 for Macmillan by completing the Great North Run, despite obtaining a serious injury earlier this year.

Chloe Rana, 21, who studies at the University School of Medicine had more reason than most to celebrate when she finished her race after breaking her back in April whilst skiing in France.

Chloe even had to be transported back to the UK by ambulance by road, as flying was deemed too much of a risk for her back.

Despite this Chloe was able to complete the 13.1mile course and contribute to Macmillan raising more than £500,000 in donations from the Great North Run for the first time since the start of the pandemic.

She said: “I’ve been incredibly fortunate as my original prognosis was 3 months lying flat and in a back brace.

"When I eventually returned and was seen at the RVI in Newcastle and was told careful rest would be sufficient as it was a stable fracture and by mid-July (only weeks before the event) I was given the all clear to run.

“I initially signed up to run for Macmillan in January this year because my great aunt who was more like a grandmother to me recently died from pancreatic cancer only weeks after being diagnosed.

"My grandad also died from cancer and Macmillan has been a source of incredible support both mentally and physically for my family on both occasions.”

Macmillan’s Jill Campbell, relationship fundraising area manager for the North East at Macmillan Cancer Support said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have surpassed £500,000 in donations particularly during these financially chastened times during a cost-of-living crisis. It’s absolutely amazing!”

“It’s testament to the determination of people like Chloe and the rest of our 1,250 runners, not to mention the small army of Macmillan volunteers who took part in this years’ event.

"They all stepped up, overcoming the obstacles in their way to support us, we are so very grateful.

“Our services support all those affected by cancer are needed now more than ever, and without the generosity of the general public would not be available to people at what is often the worst most vulnerable time in their lives."

For information, support or just someone to talk to at Macmillan Cancer Support call 0808 808 00 00 or visit macmillan.org.uk