Kingsteignton’s ‘own resident Geordie’ Chrissy Mason is celebrating her success at the 40th Great North Run, raising more than £1,000 for a charity that has helped her friends’ son who has Niemann-Pick.

Niemann-Pick UK (NPUK) is a small national charity which works to raise awareness of this rare and devastating inherited group of metabolic disorders affecting around 150 families in the UK.

Chrissy, who has lived in Teignbridge since 2000, grew up in Tyneside and attended Newcastle High School where she met and became lifelong friends with Louise Metcalfe, NPUKs Families Officer.

She describes herself as Kingsteignton’s own ‘resident Geordie’.

Also running for NPUK were Chrissy’s sister Katherine Turner from Leeds and William and Miriam Evans, whose 13-year-old son was diagnosed with Type C Niemann-Pick as a baby. Together the NPUK runners have raised well in excess of £7,000 to help support families and raise awareness to facilitate this mostly unheard of life limiting condition.

The sisters were cheered on across the country by Devon and Geordie friends alike and crossed the line together in 2 hours, 56 minutes.

Dressed in NPUK orange and yellow Chrissy said: ‘This is my first ever Great North Run and I was thrilled to be running for NPUK cheered on by Geordie and Devon friends alike.’

Chrissy (50) who regularly sea swims with a tribe of fellow cold water dippers added: ‘I even wore my signature orange and yellow bobble hat especially knitted in support of NPUK by a fellow sea swimmer’s mum.

‘Thanks to everyone from Tyneside to Teignbridge for all their support cheering us on with a chorus of “Haway lasses” or “Geddon maids”!’

To find out more about the work of NPUK or to help make a difference to the families affected visit www.JustGiving.com/fundraising/Christine-Mason10