North East legends send messages of support to Jarrow pub boss as he takes on 100-mile run round region

Carl Mowatt, 57, landlord of the Lakeside Inn, off Leam Lane in Jarrow, is running a 100-mile circuit of region on Saturday October 24 to raise funds for a cause close to his heart.

Now North East figures have sent him their good wishes, including former Sunderland boss Peter Reid, ex-Newcastle United star Lee Clark, Olypians Steve Cram and Aly Dixon, boxer Glenn McCrory and filmmaker Bob Smeaton.

Olympic silver medalist Steve Cram, from Jarrow, said Carl was an “absolute star” and he had no idea how he would do it, but knew he would.

Sunderland’s Olympic marathon runner Aly Dixon said “(Carl,) you’re absolutely nuts, but you’re doing it for a great cause. Peter Reid urged people to sponsor Carl – and added “100 miles - hard work lad!"

Carl, who is a seasoned runner, is hoping to raise £5000 for Guide Dogs Newcastle Mobility Unit, to fund the cost of training for a guide dog puppy who will go to someone in need.

He has already decided the dog should be named Andy, after his late his friend Andy Briggs, who was blind.

“I had a few different ultramarathons planned in September and October but they all got cancelled due to coronavirus, so I thought instead of sitting about doing nothing I’d try and make a difference to someone's life,” he said.

"I’m raising the funds to give someone who is waiting to have a great gift and have sight by having a great companion.”

Carl has completed a number of challenges in recent years, including grueling challenges in the Swiss Alps, running the length of Hadrian’s Wall, and finishing one of the region’s toughest events – the Cheviot Goat winter ultramarathon in Northumberland.

Each challenge has been for a charity close to his heart, running in tribute to friends and family.

South Tyneside-based Cancer Connections, and Myeloma UK are some of the other causes he has helped.

He will start his 100-mile trek before dawn in South Shields before heading across the North East on the Tyne & Wear Heritage Way, before finishing in Whitburn.

Guide Dogs Newcastle Mobility Unit covers Northumberland, Tyne & Wear, Durham, Teesside and Cumbria and has around 250 guide dog owners at any one time.

To sponsor Carl in his 100 mile running challenge, visit his JustGiving page here at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mowza100miles

A message from the Editor

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to the Shields Gazette website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.

Visit here to sign up. You can subscribe to the newspaper with 20% off here. Thank you.