Blood cancer survivor's run tribute to grandad

A CHANCE TO HONOUR MAN WHO INSPIRED HIM

- By SAM VOLPE Reporter

A BLAYDON civil servant who survived blood cancer aged just three is running this year’s Great North Run in honour of the grandad who fought for him when he was ill. Ben Henderson, 25, had Burkitt's lymphoma when he was just three.

Heartbreakingly, his grandad Ian died earlier this year due to a different form of blood cancer.

For Ben, the 2025 Great North Run is a chance to give back in honour of a man who was an inspiration to him.

Ben, who is a steward at Newcastle United in his spare time, said: "I wish my Grandad Ian could see me now, I’m lacing up my trainers and taking on 13.1 miles for Blood Cancer UK because he was my biggest supporter - not just as a grandparent, but as a father figure. We were inseparable, and this run is my way of saying thank you."

Ben explained that along with his mum and grandmother, Ian had been a fierce advocate during his own treatment, and added: "Without my mam, grandma and grandad fighting for me - and the amazing team at Newcastle's RVI - I wouldn't be here.