The former world champion visited the Trust in support of STS Charity, the official charity of South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust and health partner of the Sunderland City Runs.
He was joined by Allison Thompson, Chair of the Trust, for a question and answer session. It covered how people of all abilities can get into running, prepare for events, deal with injuries and improve both physical and mental health through regular activity.
The discussion also highlighted the return of the popular SG Petch Sunderland City Runs weekend, a major fixture on the North East sporting calendar hosted by Events of the North.
Taking place on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th May 2026, the weekend will once again include the Sunderland City Half Marathon, 10K and the Active Sunderland BIG 3K, including routes in and around the city centre.
For 2026, organisers are also welcoming back the Saturday evening 5K, which will showcase views from the new Keel Crossing footbridge.
STS Charity raises vital funds to enhance patient care, staff wellbeing and experiences across the South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust.
SG Petch Sunderland City Runs founder Steve Cram comments: “We’ve been working with STS Charity since last year, giving the charity an opportunity at the event to raise vital funds for projects in Sunderland. A key element of our partnership has been promoting really important messages about getting active, and how running at any pace, can boost physical and mental health.
“For 15 years now, the Sunderland City Runs have provided inclusive and welcoming events that encourage and inspire people of all ages and abilities to move. It was great to meet the team at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust and discuss how we can do that even more effectively together.”
Allison Thompson, Chair of South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, is taking part in the Sunderland 10k for STS Charity’s Vision Appeal.
To support the care within the new Eye Hospital in Sunderland, the Vision Appeal is helping to provide additional equipment that goes above and beyond standard NHS provision. This support will enhance treatment and patient care over and above the equipment already planned as part of the new hospital.
Allison shared: “I’m really looking forward to running the Sunderland City 10K this year in support of our STS Charity Vision Appeal. As Chair of the Trust, I’m committed to our mission, but this appeal is also very personal to me. Running has always been something I love; it keeps me fit, energised and focused. Beyond the personal benefits, this 10K is about more than that.
“I’m not just running as a leader of the organisation – I’m running as a patient and as someone whose own family has benefited from the incredible care our Eye Infirmary provides. Several years ago, the team saved my husband’s eyesight. That experience changed everything for us. When you’ve seen firsthand how sight can be restored, and how that transforms someone’s life, you understand the true value of the work happening in our services every single day.
“Every pound raised for the Vision Appeal will help us enhance the facilities and services that protect and restore vision for thousands of people in and around the North East. I’m incredibly proud and grateful to be running for something that means so much to me, both personally and professionally.”
Entries are open for this year’s Sunderland City Runs at www.sunderlandcity10k.com.
A limited number of free STS Charity places are still available for this year’s run. If you’d like to take part and support the charity, please contact the team on 0191 565 6256 (extension 42946) or email stsft.charity@nhs.net.
Information about the charity and ways to support can be found at www.stsft.nhs.uk/our-charity.
