Team Newcastle runners raise over £9,000 to support students starting university this September

Giving back through every mile: Newcastle alumni help students thrive with Great North Run fundraising

Every September, thousands of students arrive at Newcastle University ready to begin a new chapter. For many, it is an exciting time of opportunity, discovery and ambition. For others, the financial pressures of university life can create significant barriers before they even step into a lecture theatre. 

This year, thanks to the extraordinary efforts of Team Newcastle runners, more students will be able to access the opportunities and support they need to thrive. 

Running for the next generation 

For alumni Rob and Emma McCargow, the Great North Run marked a return to the city where they first met as Medical Microbiology students in the 1990s. 

Thirty years after arriving at Newcastle University, and twenty years after getting married, the couple returned to the North East to run together for a cause close to their hearts. 

Their love story began in a laboratory practical, survived a first date at Francesca’s and completing their degrees, and now sees them in a position to give back to the next generation.  

Both credit Newcastle University with helping shape their careers and confidence. Emma went on to work in pharmaceutical research and NHS genomics before becoming co-leader of blood cancer charity DKMS, while Rob built a career spanning recruitment, HR, humanitarian aid and artificial intelligence. Rob said: 

"I certainly don't take my education for granted. Having had the opportunity to study at such a wonderful institution has been instrumental in helping me create the life I wanted. I want to ensure that people from disadvantaged backgrounds have the opportunity to access high-quality higher education."  

Giving back to the region that became home 

For Team Newcastle runner Jason Yip, supporting students is deeply personal. 

The son of parents who emigrated from Hong Kong to the UK in the 1970s, Jason grew up in modest circumstances after his family settled in the North East. Looking back, he recognises the sacrifices his parents made and the importance they placed on education as a route to opportunity. 

Today, Jason works at Newcastle University and sees first-hand the transformational power of education. Running the Great North Run was his way of helping young people access the same opportunities that made such a difference to his own life. 

Education changes lives 

Class of 2025 graduate Mohammad Reza Sharifi was inspired to run following his experience with  student-led initiative North East Solidarity Teaching (NEST) on campus.  

NEST supports immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers and people fleeing conflict through English language classes. Mo’s time spent with people seeking sanctuary in Newcastle reinforced his belief that education has the power to transform lives. He said: 

"That experience showed me first-hand how powerful education can be in giving people opportunities, confidence and a chance to build a better future. I believe education is a fundamental right, and everyone should have the opportunity to benefit from it, regardless of their background or circumstances."  

Making a difference on campus 

As a new academic year begins, the impact of Team Newcastle's fundraising will be felt by students across the university’s three campuses who can benefit from the Newcastle University Student Fund.   

Since it was established in 2021 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, £1.5 million has been donated to support practical initiatives that help students succeed, from affordable meals and free period products to skills development opportunities, equipment funding and participation in clubs and societies.  

To everyone who ran, donated, volunteered and cheered from the sidelines: thank you. Your support is helping ensure that more students can enjoy the full Newcastle experience and build bright futures of their own. 

And if you’re keen to join Team Newcastle at the Great North Run in 2027, get in touch today to express your interest!