I was wide awake at 0430 today and wrote the following on the Run Geordie Run Facebook page.
"Good morning from Brooklyn, New York. It’s just gone 0430 and many thoughts are whirring through my mind. I should be sleeping but I’d like to share one particular story with you.
As I run on the banks of the Missouri River in early June, two days will be dedicated to one of our number who is sadly no longer with us. You’ll be able to read the full heartbreaking story then. In the meantime, as I prepare to set off across the USA on Thursday, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the life of Liam Mitchell (pictured) and his time at St. Benedict’s Hospice."
"Liam was just 36 when he was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in November 2022, a devastating shock to his wife Ruth, their children Alex and Ethan, and the rest of his family.
Known for his fun-loving, kind-hearted nature, Liam was a popular figure in both his personal and professional life. He was incredibly active, working as a Fabrication Supervisor and walking up to 20,000 steps a day. A devoted Newcastle United supporter, Liam regularly attended games with his son, bonding with fellow fans in the stands. He also enjoyed socialising with friends, making regular trips with family to Northumberland, where his sense of humour and love for dressing up (often as Elton John) shone through.
Just three weeks after his diagnosis, Liam was told his cancer was already at Stage 4, with palliative chemotherapy as the only option. His health rapidly declined, and after complications including pneumonia, he was referred to St Benedict’s Hospice. Initially hesitant, Liam soon found comfort in the hospice’s compassionate care and homely atmosphere. The team helped him manage pain and enjoy special moments with his family, including a trip to see Newcastle play, celebrating his 37th birthday, and even having beer through his feeding tube.
Despite the heartbreakingly short time between diagnosis and his death in March 2023, Liam’s final weeks were filled with love, laughter, and the support of a community who clearly adored him.
The run across the USA will mean many things to many people. I can tell that is the case from the messages I receive and connections I make. Some are interested in the physical challenge and adventurous side. To some there is a deeper meaning.
Liam’s memory, along with those of many others, lives on, in some small way, through the run across the USA, offering a powerful way for people to reflect, connect, and find comfort in shared remembrance. Each mile honours loved ones lost, creating a moving tribute that brings solace and strength to those left behind.
The words honour, privilege and responsibility spring to mind. As well as raising vital funds for St. Benedict’s Hospice, if I can bring just a small degree of comfort to people in whatever way, then it’s all of those words and more.
Right. It’s back to sleep for me for a few hours hopefully. Thanks for reading."
I got a chance to listen to my first interview for the Pod On The Tyne podcast today. Thanks to George, Chris and Taylor some great questions and kind words. I've listened to the pod since the beginning so to appear on it this week and throughout the summer is a huge opportunity to raise the run's profile. There were some kind donations made off the back of that episode. A great start!
One follower of Run Geordie Run on Bluesky called Janie Smith commented "Went for a walk to Costa on my dinner time and listened to this. Me walking through Gosforth in 21 degree heat felt like I was melting while Run Geordie Run described the plan for Death Valley. Bloody hell Mark."
You can listen to this weeks episode here.
