Stewart Bibby, his wife Emma, daughter Nancy and husband Stuart will be lacing up their trainers to tackle the UK’s best loved half-marathon. His other daughter, Coronation Street star Harriet Bibby, will cheer from the sidelines as her partner Max also joins the race.
In November 2024, Stewart suffered a ruptured aneurysm in his brain. Following major surgery, he was admitted to Ashby Ward at Lincoln County Hospital for specialist rehabilitation. He was unable to walk or communicate, other than through facial expressions.
Through an extensive programme of physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy Stewart made a remarkable recovery and returned home in Jan 2025, just three months after suffering the bleed on the brain.
Although he had only recently regained his strength, Stewart set himself the goal of running the Great North Run later that year. Through sheer determination to recover he achieved that ambition.
This year he is running it again, and it will be his 16th Great North Run. It also comes at a milestone stage in his and Emma’s life as they both recently turned 60.
Daughter Harriet explained why running the race is so important to the family: “Last year we ran the race to support dad to achieve his goal of running another Great North Run. This year we are running for United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity in support of Ashby Ward, so we can raise as much money as we can for the staff in thanks for giving us our dad back.”
The family say they will always be grateful to the team on Ashby Ward for the care and support they all received during one of the most difficult periods of their lives. They believe it was that support which enabled Stewart to recover so quickly.Ashby Ward provides r
Stewart Bibby with his family after GNR 20252ehabilitation to people with long-term neurological conditions, as well as those who have traumatic/acquired brain injuries and need complex rehabilitation. Patients, families and carers play a vital role in the rehabilitation process and are actively involved in shaping individual’s programmes of care.
Ben Petts, United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity Manager, said: “We are delighted that Stewart and his family are running the Great North Run to raise vital funds for United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity. Donations help us make a real difference to our patients, their families and our hardworking colleagues in the NHS. We will certainly be cheering them on every step of the way and wish them the best of luck.”
To contribute to the family’s fundraiser, please visit their fundraising page.