Rotherham widower ‘out of his comfort zone’ for Great North Run

A widower said he will be “far out of his comfort zone” when he takes on the Great North Run on Sunday in memory of his late wife.

Craig Scott, from Rotherham, will be taking part in the event on to raise money for the charity Epilepsy Action, after his wife Jo died from a rare disorder called sudden death in epilepsy syndrome in May 2024.

Mr Scott only took up running last year to help cope with his wife’s death and it has proved to be an “outlet” for him.

He said: “I was filled with anger and frustration. It felt like a way to channel that in a healthy way rather than overeating and drinking.”

Before she died Jo herself campaigned for Epilepsy Action. Craig has been determined to continue her work and raise money for the charity.

In the last year he’s raised more than £10,000, taking part in charity 10k runs in Bridlington and Birmingham.

Rebekah Smith, CEO at Epilepsy Action, said: “Jo was an extremely passionate epilepsy advocate and Craig has continued to keep that much-valued legacy going in her memory.

“We are so touched by Craig’s determination and strength in making sure all the amazing things Jo did to help people understand more about epilepsy are not forgotten. “

Weekly running and swimming sessions has also been hugely beneficial to the railway worker’s physical health.

“It’s hard to comprehend but I’ve lost four stone. I’m in the best physical shape of my life,” he said.

Sixteen months after Jo’s death, Craig said his mental health has also improved, thanks largely to his training and looking after his three-year-old son.

“The anger has subsided, I have to stay focused day to day. I can’t slip. My boy needs me.

“The grief comes and goes. Sometimes it smacks you in the face out of nowhere, without a trigger.”

With 60,000 runners expected to take part in Sunday’s run, it is considered the most popular half-marathon event in the world. Mr Scott, whose brother Mark will be joining him on the route, said he was not sure what would be going through his mind over the 13.1 miles.

“I feel quite emotional thinking about the start line. I’m very aware of the journey I’ve been on.”

He plans to continue his fundraising, possibly with a sponsored swim.

“I’m certainly interested to do something else. I can’t stop here. Jo would want me to keep going and raising money.”