A bus station supervisor from the region’s largest bus company, Go North East, celebrated his 30th year working at this month’s Great North Run; offering essential guidance and direction to spectators, and driving the runners home after their victories.
Paddy Fagan has become a well-known face at the iconic half marathon, always ensuring the operation runs like clockwork and as smoothly as possible for competitors, supporters and fellow team members.
The 68-year-old from Jarrow, will be celebrating his 45th year working at Go North East in January, and is based at the Riverside depot. He says: “I’ve been involved with the Great North Run since day one, and only ever missed one year. It’s always a great atmosphere and I see the same faces taking part every year. I really enjoy being there.”
Go North East has provided baggage and transport services for the event since it began in 1981, and this year was no different; with a dedicated events team of 93 drivers, three engineers and 25 supervisors on-hand across the day.
Team members even received the chance to rub shoulders with this year’s competing VIP stars, including comedian Ross Noble and singer Olly Murs, who hopped on-board the bus after completing the gruelling 13.1miles run.
Among the runners taking part, was Go North East driver Kevin Brown, who raised £1,500 for the Newcastle-based premature and newborn baby charity, Tiny Lives.
Fellow seasoned Go North East competitors also included development manager Mark Ellis, who now has 12 races under his belt and finance director, Paul Edwards who marked his third year competing. Customer services advisor Neil Jones also ran on behalf of Tommy’s Charity, which investigates the reasons behind still births and miscarriages – raising £300.
Commercial director at Go North East, Stephen King commented: “The Great North Run brings thousands of people to our region and we are proud to have supported the iconic event for the past 37 years. A big thank you to all our team members who work effortlessly to help make the event such a huge event and a special well done to Paddy, who celebrated his 30th run on Sunday 9 September!”
For more information visit: www.gonortheast.co.uk.