Newark man to run the Great North Run to raise funds for the Stroke Association

A man takes on a city-wide charity effort for the fourth time to honour his father in the city where he fell in love.

Floyd Ferris, of Newark, will be running the Great North Marathon this Sunday (September 8) to raise funds for Stroke Association.

Mr Ferris has chosen the Stroke Association for the fourth year as his father — Michael Ferris — and other members of the family suffered strokes with life-altering consequences.

“At the start of the race, I think about keeping a consistent pace, staying relaxed, and by the end of the race it’s just the knowledge of support from my friends and family and love for my family who have been affected by strokes that helps me cross the line.”

Over the last four years, he has raised £2311 for the charity and for this year’s run, he has raised 73% of his £500 target.

He added: “Since 2019 my dad has suffered a series of strokes, he was a capable and loving man and is now almost totally disabled and is unable to live without permanent professional care.

“In 2022 three of my cousins died before the age of 60 after suffering stroke damage, a fourth dear family member suffered a heart attack and passed away.

“I want to do something positive and raise money to support those who have been affected by strokes and to help the Stroke Association raise awareness of how to care for people in the immediate short term of experiencing strokes.”

The 13.1-mile route in Newcastle welcomes over 50,000 runners every year alongside thousands of supporters.

“I love the city, it’s where I met my wife, plus the emotion and atmosphere in Newcastle on the day is electric.

“It’s a wonderful event with a great crowd, you meet so many inspirational people who are raising money for a huge variety of charities.

“The downside is that it feels like it’s mainly uphill.”

Floyd’s wife, Kirsty Davison, had run the Great Marathon Run before, which inspired the Newark man to give it a go and carry on for the following four years.

Since last year, Floyd has lost 10KG, to be in his best shape and aims to complete the race in 2h30 compared to last year’s 2h55.