Gosforth Civic Theatre Takes on the Great North 10K
- bethany4126
- Jul 4
- 3 min read
This Sunday marks an exciting day for runners across the region as the Great North 10K takes place, bringing together thousands of participants for one of the area's most anticipated running events.
Among the many faces at the starting line will be three members of our team: Ed, Emma and Heather. They are all running to support our vital work with young people and adults with learning disabilities and autism.
We're especially proud of Heather, who is not only running the 10K this weekend but also training for the even bigger challenge of the Great North Run later this year. Her dedication demonstrates her commitment to supporting the work we do at Gosforth Civic Theatre.
Meet the Gosforth Civic Theatre Runners
Before we introduce our amazing running team, here’s a little about who we are.
Gosforth Civic Theatre (GCT) is more than just a venue; we’re a welcoming space for creativity, connection, and community. GCT opened in 2016 and was founded by Liberdade, a disability arts charity dedicated to creating opportunities for people with learning disabilities and autism. Liberdade began in 2003 as an apprenticeship programme, supporting a group of young people with learning disabilities to set up and run their own theatre company.
This weekend, we’re proud to carry that spirit forward as three members of our team take on the Great North 10K in support of our work. Meet the GCT Runners:
Heather - Our SEND Outreach Coordinator
Heather’s work directly supports young people and adults with learning disabilities and autism. By taking on both the Great North 10K and the Great North Run, she’s going the extra mile for our cause!
Emma - Our People and Operations Director
When plans changed last minute, Emma didn’t hesitate to step in for the 10K. As our People and Operations Director, Emma keeps everything running behind the scenes - now she’ll be running front and centre to raise awareness and funds for our work.
Ed - Our Company Member and Board Member
Ed has also committed to the 10K challenge, stepping forward alongside Emma when the original participants were unable to partake. As a Board Member, his participation shows a hands-on commitment to our cause.
All three members have been training incredibly hard. We know they'll do us proud!
Running for a Cause
What makes this participation even more meaningful is that our team isn't just running for personal challenge or fitness goals. Heather, Emma, and Ed have committed to raising funds for the important work we do supporting young people and adults with learning disabilities and autism. Every step they take this weekend, whether in the 10K or the Great North Run, will be a step toward supporting the initiatives and programmes that make a real difference in people's lives.
Their fundraising efforts demonstrate the incredible spirit of giving. By choosing to combine their athletic abilities with charitable fundraising, they're demonstrating the GCT values – creating change, raising expectations.
The Impact of Your Support
The money raised through this challenge will make a real difference in the lives of young people and adults with learning disabilities and autism.
Every donation helps us at GCT to continue running our current programmes and also develop new initiatives that respond to the evolving needs of our community. Your support creates a ripple effect that goes beyond the individuals we directly work with, helping build a more inclusive, welcoming community for everyone.
How You Can Support
While Heather, Ed, and Emma will be doing the running, there's still a meaningful role for everyone to play. Supporting their fundraising efforts means supporting the continuation and growth of the vital work we do in the community.
Whether you're able to contribute financially or simply want to cheer them on from the sidelines, your support makes a difference. Every donation, no matter the amount, helps us maintain and grow our programmes, ensuring we can continue making a positive impact where it's needed most.
You can support our runners by:
Donating through the fundraising page
Sharing our story
Cheering them on if you're in the area on race day
Leaving messages of encouragement for our team
Support our runners, support our mission.
Your donation helps us go the distance. Please give today and help us continue our vital work with young people and adults with learning disabilities and autism.
