A beloved entertainer at Freeman Hospital's children's heart unit will take on the Great North Run dressed as her clown doctor character. Ruth Johnson, known to young patients as Dr Satsuma Sprocket, will complete the 13.1-mile course in a white coat and red nose in a fortnight's time.
Ruth is not a real doctor but one of the professionally trained clown doctors who visit children receiving lifesaving care at the Freeman. She is running to raise funds for the Children's Heart Unit Fund (Chuf), which has supported the clown doctor programme for 20 years.
Nine years of bringing joy
The 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 in the role for nine years.
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."
Inspired by young patients
Ruth added: "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."
Charlotte Campbell, director of fundraising and operations at Chuf, 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."
She added: "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."
