We are the GNR : Paul Maddison

For over four decades, the Great North Run has been a symbol of human determination, as each September thousands of participants take to the streets of the North East .

For Paul Maddison, 55, originally from Cramlington in the North East and now living in Nottingham, this year’s run marks a full-circle moment. A story of resilience, family, and living life to the full.

Having completed the Great North Run 14 times as a runner, 2025 will be the first time Paul takes on the event in a wheelchair. Diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease 11 years ago, Paul will be pushed along the famous route by a close-knit team made up of his son, daughter, brother, niece, and close friends. Together, they are proudly known as “Paul’s Pushers.”

“Being from the North East the Great North Run has always been part of my life, it is the run I’ve grown up with,” Paul shares. “My dad ran the first ever one. I did the second when I was just 12 years old – back when there were no age restrictions. Being back out there again, feeling the atmosphere, feeling part of it all… it’s like touching a little bit of ‘normal’ again.”

What makes this year even more special is that it’s the first time both of Paul’s children will be taking on a half marathon, and they’ll be doing it beside him, pushing their father through every mile of the 13.1-mile course.

Since their fundraising journey began, Paul’s Pushers set an ambitious target of £5,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, one they’ve already exceeded, raising over £8,000 and this figure is still climbing! But it’s not just about the money. For Paul, this is about visibility, community, and the experience.

“Taking part in the GNR will bring back memories of running it able bodied, an opportunity to be in the middle of the amazing atmosphere again, feel like I’m part of it for ‘real’. It’s a way to remind people that life doesn’t stop with a diagnosis.”

A former professor of neurology, Paul spent his medical career diagnosing and caring for people with MND. Studying at Newcastle Medical School and working in Nottingham, he brought expertise and compassion to countless patients. Post diagnosis, Paul continued to work, running a research neurology clinic until 2022. That same determination continues to define him now, not just in science, but on the streets of the worlds greatest half.

Paul says the event allows him to feel connected, not just to his past, but to a cause that needs louder voices.

“The GNR is an incredible platform,” he explains. “There’s no better race in the world for raising awareness and funds. I want to shine a light on Motor Neurone Disease, on the families affected, on the fight for better treatments.”

And to anyone thinking about signing up for their first Great North Run?

“Just do it,” Paul says, without hesitation. “It’s the best half marathon out there, the people, the support, the emotion. My children have grown up watching it on TV or cheering us on in South Shields. Now they’ll be out there with me. That’s everything.”

On September 7th, Paul won’t just be making his way from Newcastle to South Shields, he’ll be retracing his roots, surrounded by family and friends, defying the odds, and showing that greatness comes in many forms.

Sign up for the 2026 Ballot Reminder here, and we’ll send an email straight to your inbox as soon the September Ballot for the 2026 AJ Bell Great North Run opens.