Sarah Parker, a medical secretary with 21 years of NHS service, is gearing up to take on the world's largest half marathon, the Great North Run, this September. Her goal: raise vital funds for NHS Charities Together and the Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust charity, which supports staff and patients alike.
Running for a Milestone Birthday
Parker, who turns 50 this year, decided to mark the occasion with a series of fitness challenges. The Great North Run will be her fifth half marathon overall and her third this year—a significant feat for someone who previously ran only 5km or 10km races.
“I completed one in 2024 and one in 2025, and prior to that I only ran 5km or 10km races,” she said. Her favourite so far has been the London Landmarks half marathon in April, run for the Carli Lansley Foundation, which provides free ECG screenings for young people to detect undiagnosed heart conditions.
Fundraising for a Cause Close to Home
All proceeds from Parker's run will go to NHS Charities Together, an umbrella organisation supporting over 220 local health charities nationwide. A portion also benefits her own trust's charity, which funds extras like therapy gardens and recreational items for patients.
“There are over 100 of us from the Carli Lansley Foundation who all take on different challenges like running, hiking, wing walks, competing in Ironman events and triathlons in the UK as well as abroad,” Parker explained. “But I am really excited about running the Great North Run in September for NHS Charities Together.”
Future Marathon Ambitions
Beyond the half marathon, Parker has her sights set on a full marathon, with the London Marathon topping her wish list. Supporters can donate via her fundraising page at nhscharitiestogether.enthuse.com/pf/sarah-parker.
