A RUNNER completed the Great North Run in memory of his granddad.

Ben Brough, 24, who works in his family’s refrigeration transport business, ran in fancy dress as Robin, along with his friends Pete Smythe, who was kitted out as the Joker, and Jonathan Wright, who made a convincing Batman.

Mr Brough, from Rosedale, finished the famous marathon, held in Newcastle each year, in a time of one hour and 45 minutes.

He said: “I wanted to run in aid of the British Heart Foundation because my friend Pete’s dad had heart problems last year.

“My granddad, Cyril, died seven years ago from heart problems, so for me the BHF is a great cause to support.

“We chose to dress up as Batman, Robin and the Joker because they were our favourite superheroes when we were children.

“I am very proud to have finished the run.

“It was tough at times, particularly on the uphill sections, but there were people lining the streets to support us, which kept us going.”

This is the third time Mr Brough has run in the Great North Run – he ran for Pickering’s Lady Lumley’s School in 2001, and for the Royal Lifeboat Institute in 2007.

Meanwhile, Jon Butler, who is the content manager of the Gazette and Herald’s website, gazetteherald.co.uk, also ran in the event with his daughter Mandy, 22, who works at a sports centre.

He said: “I first went to the Great North Run two years ago as a spectator.

“At that time I couldn’t have run a raffle, never mind 13.1 miles, but watching all the runners planted a seed in the back of my mind.

“I thought that if I could get fit enough to run, I could raise money for the British Heart Foundation, for coronary research.

“At the race on Sunday, I saw a woman wearing a t-shirt which was printed with the words ‘Running for Dad’, with a picture of her late father who had died of cancer.

“It made me realise that the event was not about proving you know more about nutrition, race tactics, or how fast you can get around the course. It was about making a difference for others.

“This woman was running for the love she had for her father and she was not afraid to show it.”

Mr Butler started a steady training schedule a year before the race, and persevered through repeated knee injuries.

He said: “I have my daughter Mandy to thank for helping me through my ordeal.

“The BHF were also really supportive, and my daughter’s boyfriend cheered us on. It was a great experience and I plan to keep on running.”