Inspired by Greatness: Matthew and Gail Rich – The Nicole and Jessica Rich Foundation

The AJ Bell Great North Run has always been about ordinary people doing extraordinary things.  It started back in 1981, when 12,264 pioneers forged the path from Newcastle to South Shields.    

This year the class of 2024 will follow in the footsteps of 1.3 million before them, running the same infamous 13.1 mile route.  Each runner inspired by someone, some cause, some moment.  Each runner on their own road to greatness.  

This year, we are celebrating being Inspired by Greatness as each runner brings their unique story and motivation, showcasing that greatness lies within us all. Explore the extraordinary experiences of the thousands of runners who join us at the start lines each year. 

Matthew and Gail, from Glasgow, and Carlisle, respectively, have embraced their identity as proud adopted Geordies  

Their lives took a dramatic turn when their daughters were diagnosed with Batten Disease, a rare and life-limiting neurodegenerative condition. The diagnosis led to a routine of hospital appointments, treatments, medications, and consultations with numerous healthcare professionals. Despite these challenges, the family adapted, focusing on what they could control, striving to make a positive impact and founded The Nicole and Jessica Rich Foundation and the “Batten Disease Family Association (BDFA)”.   

Sadly, the couple lost their daughter, Nicole, to the condition this year at only 11 years old.  

Matthew and Gail have run the Great North Run for the last 7 years, raising awareness for Batten Disease.  They usually also complete the Mini wheelchair race as a family, but this year’s Great North Run is in memory of their brave and beautiful Nicole who passed away in October of last year, making this their first year without their darling Coley as they called her.  

“We were so proud to see Jessica and Nicole flying the flag for Batten Disease, rare disease and those with disabilities. They brought hope and a smile to everyone to saw them on the course.”  

“This year will be incredibly difficult for us as a family to take part without Nicole, but it is even more important to us this year to honour Nicole and do her proud.  

“We know there will be tears as we cross the line without our sweetheart, but we know she is always with us in spirit and her legacy will live on”.  

Gail will be cheering for Matthew alone without Nicole, who in previous years has always come along, setting camp with banners, clappers, and bells in her wheelchair with her Mammy. 

Nicole’s journey through life was marked by incredible bravery and resilience as she faced the devastating effects of the ultra-rare, life-limiting neurodegenerative disease. Despite the numerous challenges and losses in her abilities, Nicole’s spirit remained unbroken. Her ability to adapt and live life to the fullest was nothing short of remarkable.  

“She was our hero and an inspiration to not only us, her family friends but to anyone who was lucky enough to know her, but also the wider batten community around the world.” 

“Nicole’s sister, Jessica, continues her own journey with Batten Disease, showing incredible strength and resilience every day. Her courage is truly amazing. Their big brother, Louis, is another source of inspiration for our family. Despite facing challenges that no young child should have to endure, Louis has grown into the most polite, caring, and wonderful young man. “  

“Watching Jessica running and seeing our son push his sister Nicole along the course with us in her wheelchair have been some of our proudest moments. The crowds and the atmosphere like nothing else, it is amazing to be part of such an incredible event with so many people to cheer and support you over the finish line.” 

“Our son has taken part in the junior race and is doing it again this year! He is running for his sisters which makes us so proud.” 

 43 years on, the Great North Run has generated hundreds of millions of pounds in charity fundraising, witnessed some of the greatest road running performances of all time and this year was awarded the World Athletics Heritage Plaque for its contribution to the worldwide history and development of mass participation road running.  

The award is so much more than the Great North Run; it’s about every runner, volunteer, charity, supporter, across every single year.  It’s about the unwavering support of the people of the North East who get behind this event like no other and inspire the next generation.  

The Great North Run will be broadcast live on BBC One on Sunday, 8 September from 10am to 2pm and around the world, showcasing the best of the region nationally and internationally.   

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