Inspired by Greatness: Amy Pohl

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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.  

Meet Amy Pohl, Primary School Teacher to TikTok Famous Content Creator  

Amy Pohl,  31 from Hartlepool is a content creator sharing her journey – Amy is paralysed, a full time wheelchair user, and has a wrist deformity. She is currently at 3.7 million+ followers on TikTok, and 219K IG followers. 

For Amy, life wasn’t always like this. “I used to be a primary school teacher living in the Midlands before I developed several chronic health conditions. I had to give up my job when I became disabled and at the time (7 + years ago) my future looked grim.” 

 “I discovered social media quite by accident and quickly gained a following. This is now my full-time career and last year I moved from neuro rehab to my own home.” 

As celebrity ambassador for Canine Partners, she will be taking part in her first Great North Run this year for them. “I am rolling to help raise money and awareness of an amazing UK charity, Canine Partners. They partner specially trained assistance dogs with people who have physical disabilities.”  

“I’m very lucky that I have my own personal human assistants, who help me be as independent as possible, and a four-legged friend (who acts as a de-assistance dog!). For many people, that’s not the case, which is why I’m raising money for Canine Partners as their dogs have the potential to improve the lives of so many more physically disabled people.” 

“An OT once told me that I would never be able to wheel a self-propelled wheelchair independently. I’m doing this to not only prove him wrong but to also challenge myself physically; whilst raising money for a great cause.” 

Her first Great North Run will be rolled alongside a support runner, “just in case I need a bit of extra support up one of the many hills on the route” she says. 

Now, she realised that post-diagnosis life is great and far from grim; “I want to show others that everyone has a value, and it is possible to live a rewarding and fulfilling life when you put your mind to it. My mantra is ‘stop fighting yourself and start fighting FOR yourself.” 

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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