MORE accustomed to flying up and down the wing on a rugby pitch, Hexham resident Jamie Dixon is preparing to pound the roads on Sunday in his first Great North Run.

The 13.1 mile route from Newcastle to South Shields is a distance he has never ran before, but he will be spurred on by the memory of one of his closest friends.

Jamie (25), formerly of the North Tyne, was close mates with Wark farmer Stuart Ridley who was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour in February.

Stu sadly lost his battle in July but his courage and positive attitude in the face of adversity moved people across the globe who were happy to dip into their pockets to raise funds for the Stay Strong Stu campaign, which topped £200,000.

Friends and relatives of Stu were touched more than anyone, and it was the positivity of his great mate which inspired Jamie to take the plunge and sign up for this year‘s Morrison’s GNR.

Jamie, who played alongside Stu at Tynedale Rugby Club, said: “There is a group of us doing it and I‘m running for The Brain Tumour Charity, in memory of Stu.

”This will be my first GNR and it is quite daunting, but raising money and awareness of brain tumours, especially in young adults, was the push I needed as I‘ve always wanted to do it.

“I’m not exactly built for long distances and it will be a good challenge, but we are determined to keep Stu‘s name and memory alive.

”We’ve experienced first hand how tragic brain tumours can be. The Brain Tumour Charity gets little funding, so every little will help and provide vital resources.“

Growing up near Stu‘s family farm at Shitlington Hall, Jamie played football at Wark Juniors with his mate and they remained friends throughout although they went to different schools.

In more recent times, they have been on skiing trips together and on a sports tour to Barbados, as well as both lining up for Tynedale RFC.

Jamie even carried out shifts at Shitlington when he returned from university!

He said: “Stu was the life and soul of the party, and there was never a dull moment when you were with him.

”He loved to play the jester, and his character never changed during his illness. The strength he showed during that time helped us all, and we will never forget him.”

Jamie has already exceeded his target of £400 for The Brain Tumour Charity, but further donations are welcome via www.justgiving.com/jamie-dixon3.