The Emirates Riverside in Durham had a very special visitor today (9th September), as Fudge the Giraffe – one of the official mascots of the Great North Children’s Hospital (GNCH) – swung by for some last-minute Great North Run training!
Ready, Set, Go…
Fudge was hot on his hooves, challenging Durham Cricket Foundation Community Development Officer Jack Warren to a series of fitness challenges. Fudge needs to be in top shape for Sunday 12th September, when he’ll be completing the iconic Great North Run in aid of the Great North Children’s Hospital Foundation.
After their race, Jack got his own back with an impromptu cricket lesson to show Fudge the ropes of the game. Jack is the perfect person to get Fudge into the sport, he and the Durham Cricket Foundation have been working closely with the Great North Children’s Hospital to enhance patients’ experiences through cricket-themed fun.
Jack said: “It was such a treat to have Fudge here at the Emirates Riverside! We really put him through his paces and he’s definitely ready for the big race on Sunday. It was great prep for me too, I’ll be running on the day for Durham Cricket Foundation to help benefit their work with GNCH.”
Above: Fudge and Durham Cricket Foundation’s Jack Warren square up ahead of their fitness challenges.
Durham Cricket Foundation and GNCH
He added: “Over the last year Durham Cricket Foundation have partnered with the Newcastle Bridges School based in the Great North Children’s Hospital to provide one-to-one cricket-themed sessions to long term patients. These games provide an outstanding sense of wellbeing and joy to a variety of children with different illnesses and challenges.”
Making a Difference with the Great North Run
You can support Great North Children’s Hospital Foundation by sponsoring Fudge here, and support Durham Cricket Foundation and their wonderful work with GNCH patients by sponsoring Jack here.
The Great North Children’s Hospital Foundation is part of Newcastle Hospitals Charity, and supports innovations that really make a difference to children and young people, their families, and staff at the Great North Children’s Hospital and in the community.
Above: Fudge meets the team (L/R – Chris Ralston, Luke McCabe, Fudge, Jack Warren, and Layla Tipton)
