'Raising smiles... and cash!' - Clown doctor Ruth to race in Great North Run
The ‘clown doctor’ will delight young patients even more when they see her crossing the finishing line in South Shields.
One runner in the 2026 Great North Run shouldn’t be too difficult to spot. She’ll be wearing a red nose and clown doctor coat to support the Children’s Heart Unit Fund (Chuf) at the Freeman Hospital.
Young heart patients at the hospital, the Heart Heroes, know Ruth Johnson as Dr Satsuma. She is taking on the Newcastle to South Shields challenge On September 13 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Chuf's Clown Doctors programme, which brings laughter and play to children receiving heart treatment at the Freeman.
Working alongside NHS teams, Chuf’s professionally trained Clown Doctors use music, play and improvisation to help reduce anxiety and bring moments of joy to children and young people during hospital stays.
Ruth has been a clown doctor for nine years and says the Great North Run is her way of giving something back to a programme that has changed her life.
She said: “It means the world to be taking part in the Great North Run as a Clown Doctor. Crossing the finish line wearing my red nose and Clown Doctor coat will be a dream come true. This run is my gift to the programme and my way of saying thank you for all the magic it has brought to my own life.
“The children and families we meet will be at the front of my mind every step of the way. No matter how hard the run feels, it's nothing compared to the courage shown by the young people we meet on the wards.
“Some days must feel like a marathon for our Heart Heroes, and I'll be inspired by their bravery from start to finish."
Chuf supports children, young people and adults living with heart conditions by funding equipment, services and support beyond NHS provision, helping make treatment a little easier.
Charlotte Campbell, Chuf’s director of fundraising and operations, said: “We’re so grateful to every person who chooses to run for Chuf each year, but having Ruth represent our clown doctors as we celebrate 20 years of the programme feels particularly special.
“Seeing all of our runners cross the finish line is always an emotional moment, and spotting Ruth in her red nose and clown doctor coat will make this year’s Great North Run one we'll never forget.”