North East runners carry 12 foot Tyne Bridge at Great North Run
Last updated 14th Aug 2026
Two north east runners, Derick Jackson and Graham Ravenhall, have become one of the Great North Run’s most recognisable sights thanks to their 12 foot long model of the Tyne Bridge, which they run with to raise money and awareness for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust as part of Team Ewan.
Derick and Graham say the idea of a model, which comes complete with a 7 Red Arrow flypast, began as a creative way to fundraise but also celebrates one of the region’s most iconic landmarks.
What started as a one-off build with a one year commitment has grown into a now long running project, with Derick and Graham this year taking part in the Great North Run for the 5th time.
Derick said: “Like all of the best ideas, it started over a quick discussion in our local, and several weekends later we had a scale model Tyne Bridge complete with Red Arrows flying over.”
The pair designed, constructed and have refined the 12 foot structure so it can be safely transported and carried along the 13.1 mile Great North Run route and at other events throughout the year.
This year the pair have expanded their fundraising to include ‘Place on the Bridge’ where members of the public or businesses can create their own minifigure and have it positioned alongside the mini-legends already represented and added in prior years including Ant & Dec, Dame Kelly Holmes, North East Mayor Kim McGuiness and local star of Dragons Den, Sara Davies. Alongside a mini Sir Brendan Foster founder of the Great North Run and Great Run mascot, Tyney, too.
Graham said: “The Place on the Bridge has grown legs over the last couple of years and it has been great to see complete strangers send us donations and minifigures to add to our model – we’re looking forward to seeing how it develops but also conscious of adding too much weight!! There's more information on our socials for anyone wanting to take part ”
At the heart of their efforts is Team Ewan, a group established shortly after Grahams nephew was born and diagnosed as having Cystic Fibrosis.
The team includes friends and family of Ewan, now 8, who have collectively raised over £80,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust through various fundraising efforts over the last 8 years.
Their project has also been recognised through The Bridge Campaign, which celebrates the Tyne Bridge’s cultural significance and the people who help tell its story.
Derick and Graham’s tribute has been featured as part of the campaign’s wider celebration of the bridge and its place in North East identity.
For Derick and Graham, completing the event with their Tyne Bridge is a way to spark conversations, raise visibility for cystic fibrosis, and show support for Ewan and the wider CF community.
They say their runs celebrate resilience, community spirit and the belief that awareness can drive meaningful change.
To follow and contact: Instagram @gnrtynebridge and Facebook @GNR Tyne Bridge