Inspired by Greatness: Professor Deborah Henderson and Dr. Bill Chaudhry

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. 

From lab partners to running mates, husband-and-wife duo, Professor Deborah Henderson and Dr. Bill Chaudhry, who have dedicated their careers to lifesaving research, will be running the AJ Bell Great North Run for the British Heart Foundation.  

Deborah, 58, is a native of the North East and originally from Teesside. She said that herself and Bill have been training separately for the Great North Run. She explains, “We’re quite different people, which is positive, and we make a good team. We’re very complementary. We’ve been training separately as I like running in the morning and Bill likes running in the evening.” 

 Husband, Bill, 59, has confessed that he is usually reluctant to want to run and is less excited about the prospect of doing a half marathon. But due to Deborah’s overflowing excitement for the run, Bill has been influenced to join in.  

“When Deb said she was doing the Great North Run, I said if you’re doing it, I’ll do it with you. I can run but I’m not a keen runner, I just don’t enjoy it that much. I’ll be glad when it’s over!” 

Deborah and Bill have been married for over 25 years and blessed with 3 kids. They have a daughter, Isobel who is 23, and two sons, Jamey and Luke, who is 25 and 21 respectively. Coincidentally, Luke’s 21st Birthday falls on the same day as the Great North Run. 

The couple works at a shared lab at Newcastle University, where they manage different responsibilities, but both focusing on valve abnormalities leading to congenital heart disease in infants, which develops in the womb before a baby is born. On average, 13 babies each day in the UK are diagnosed with heart defects, with more diagnosis later in life.  

Before the BHF existed, most babies in the UK who were diagnosed with severe heart defects did not survive their first birthday. But thanks to today’s research, more than eight out of ten survive to adulthood. 

What’s it like working together in a lab as a married couple? 

“Everything that comes out of the lab comes from the two of us, it’s very much a joint endeavour. People say ‘how do you manage to work together?’ but science is more of a way of life than a job”, Bill says. 

As a researcher couple, Bill explains, “Deb and I have different perspectives, different viewpoints. We don’t necessarily always agree, but that’s essential in a scientific environment as you need to challenge ideas and information to make sure it’s robust and has real meaning.” 

Deborah and Bill are running to help raise funds for the British Heart Foundation as the charity’s support is essential to the research they do into congenital heart defects. “We’re both BHF funded researchers and I’ve been funded by the charity since 1990. I first met Bill in London when he was a junior doctor doing a PhD funded by BHF, and I was doing a post-doctoral funded by the BHF”, Deborah said. 

Outside the lab, Bill also works alongside cardiologist Dr Louise Coats at Freeman Hospital Newcastle, helping adults with congenital heart disease to stay well and identifying problems before they come clinically apparent so the right medical support can be given.  

BHF, being the official charity partner of the AJ Bell Great Run Series, all the money raised will be invested in improving the heart health of the nation.  

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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