POUNDING the pavements of Walmersley Road three times a week paid off for Paul Gorrill when he completed the Great North Run.
The 31-year-old factory worker was among the 803 runners raising money for Macmillan Cancer Relief in the 13-mile half-marathon between Newcastle and South Shields.
Paul, of Walmersley, Bury, said: "It was a great atmosphere and my first run. I didn't manage to match Paula Radcliffe's time, but I really enjoyed myself!
"I was a little disappointed as it actually took me seven minutes to even get across the start line because there were so many people taking part, but it was a great feeling once I'd finished.
"A couple of my relatives have been helped by Macmillan, and I know what a difference that makes."
The Macmillan Cancer Relief team wore distinctive green vests and T-shirts to stand out from the 47,000 runners in Europe's biggest half marathon. And through sponsorship from friends, family and work colleagues, he hopes to raise £700 for the charity.
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