We are the GNR: Robbie Stewart

At the Great North Run, everyone is a story. And this year, one of those stories belongs to Robbie Stewart.

When 60,000 runners take to the streets on September 7 for the AJ Bell Great North Run, they’ll each carry their own reasons, their own memories, and their own motivation. For 28-year-old Robbie Stewart from Newcastle, every mile, every step, and every ache will be in memory of someone unforgettable: his mam, Dawn.

Dawn Milling was just 55 when she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Within weeks, Robbie and his family were told it was terminal.

“My mam endured so much, yet she remained the most positive, radiant soul throughout,” said Robbie.

As Dawn’s condition deteriorated, she was cared for by St Oswald’s Hospice, a place that, to Robbie and his family, felt like a sanctuary in the storm.

“On arriving at St Oswald’s, we felt transported to the most peaceful, easy-going, compassionate place. I saw the weight lift from my mam’s shoulders straight away. It was a relief for all of us.”

Before her diagnosis, Dawn was full of life. She was strong, once out-planking a personal trainer in her local gym – and full of spirit, joy, and laughter. She enjoyed living her life to the fullest, including partying with her sons and their friends, encouraging them to make the most of every day.

Even in her final days, her sense of self never wavered. Her final wish was simple – to feel clean again. After the limitations of a hospital setting, Dawn longed for something comforting and familiar: a relaxing bath.

“One of mam’s last texts to me was to ask for a nail file – that was just her,” Robbie smiled. “The next day was ‘jacuzzi day’, and she was really excited. I came to see her straight after work and she was glowing – fresh pyjamas, and this big, contented grin on her face.”

That’s the image that stays with Robbie. That peace. That dignity. That moment of joy in the face of so much pain. Dawn died just a few days later at 56 years old, surrounded by family, in a private room filled with love.

“It was such a difficult time, but St Oswald’s gave us everything we needed. The care, comfort and compassion they gave to my mam, and to all of us, was priceless.”

Now, Robbie is lacing up his running shoes to give something back. This won’t be his first time at the Great North Run, completing it once before, with his mam cheering at the finish line.

“She said I was crazy!” Robbie laughed. “She’d say the same thing now, especially after the knee pain I had last time, I’ve only just got over it and that was in 2022 ha!”

But this time is different. Since moving to London and starting a demanding new job, training has been tough. But when the run gets hard, Robbie finds his own way to carry the weight of grief.

“When I’m struggling, and the pain kicks in, that’s where I picture the grief. I imagine it’s right there in front of me, and I’m going to thrash it out.”

Running has become his therapy. a way to channel heartache into something powerful, and to honour the woman who inspired him every day.

On race day, Robbie knows it’ll be emotional.

“The last time, mam was waiting at the finish line. But I know she’ll be with me, helping me get through it.”

He’s not running for a medal or a PB.

He’s running for Dawn. And for St Oswald’s Hospice.

“I’m running to raise money for this amazing place to help make sure other family’s can get the same love, care and support that we all did. You cannot put a price on what they gave us in those final days.”

Everyone is a story. And together, we are the Great North Run.

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