Grieving South Shields teenager who lost mum will thank NHS for saving dad’s life by taking on Great North Run

Brian Marshall collapsed in February after a blood clot burst above his right eye and he underwent emergency surgery at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI).

The desperately worrying situation was amplified because Brian had only been released from hospital just one week earlier following treatment for Covid.

Thankfully, the surgery saved Brian’s life and now his son is on a mission to raise funds for the Newcastle Hospitals Charity in an effort to thank the NHS

The 19-year-old, who is also called Brian Marshall, said: “Dad’s been in the army his whole working life.

"He’s always been very active and taken care of himself.

“He’d been out of hospital a week and just started to get back on his feet after Covid when he collapsed at the yard where he keeps his boat.

"Luckily, he was with friends who acted quickly to get help.

“A blood clot had burst above his right eye and he needed a six-hour operation at the RVI, which saved his life.

"Then the consultant recommended additional surgery to help prevent further issues relating to the blood clot and, thankfully, that also went well.”

Brian, who tragically lost his mum, Jayne Marshall, to liver disease in September, aged just 46, said he could have been mourning the loss of both his parents had it not been for the treatment his dad received.

Brian adds: “It’s been a horrendous year. If it wasn’t for the expert treatment my dad’s received at Newcastle Hospitals, I’d have been mourning his loss, as well as my mam’s.

“Dad’s now receiving amazing rehab at Walkergate Hospital in Newcastle and can walk and talk and, obviously, that’s a huge relief.

“It’s been a hard process but we’re hoping he’ll be home by September, which is when I’ll be doing the Great North Run for Newcastle Hospitals Charity.

"It’s a great cause and doing the run is my way of thanking the amazing NHS team who not only saved my dad’s life, they’ve been caring for him every day since then.”

Brian has already raised nearly £1,000 for the Newcastle Hospitals Charity which helps further research into stroke and aneurysms and enhancing related patient care.

Sonia Graham, fundraising manager for the charity, said: “We’re hugely grateful to Brian and everyone who is doing the Great North Run for our charity this year.

“It’s always special, but this year’s Great North Run promises to be even more so, and, as there is no public ballot, the only way to take part now is through a charity place.

“We have a limited number of places available and would love you to join our team of runners, so why not sign up today to make a difference?”

To run for Newcastle Hospitals Charity participants must pay a £50 registration fee and pledge to raise £250.

To sign up for a place visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/great-north-run-for-newcastle-hospitals-charity-registration-133838325033

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