The close friend of PC Matthew Blades joined the Great North Run on Sunday to honor the fallen officer by running in his place. PC Blades, 37, had registered for the half marathon to raise funds for Parkinson’s UK before his untimely death in a road collision. His childhood friend Daragh Burke, also 37, was granted permission by race organizers to wear Blades’ running vest and compete in his stead.

After two weeks of training, Burke said he was proud to continue the cause that meant so much to Blades. “I could never replace Matty on that start line but I’m proud to carry on something that meant so much to him . . . this one’s for you, mate,” Burke said. He reflected on the late officer’s good nature, recalling Blades’ tendency to tease friends during runs and his cheerful disposition. “He was the happiest person you could ever meet. He was someone that was always there and I never expected to not be there,” Burke added.

PC Blades and fellow officer PC Tom Clough, 38, lost their lives in August when their police vehicle was struck head-on on the A66 near Middlesbrough by a Volkswagen Passat driving on the wrong side of the road. The collision also resulted in the deaths of five young men inside the Passat, aged between 17 and 23.

The annual race, which runs 13 miles from Newcastle to South Shields, also featured other notable participants this year. Among them was Andy Burnham, who wore bib number 10 and became the first serving prime minister to take part in the event. Running to support a homelessness charity, Burnham commented, “I loved it. It reminds you how good this country is when it’s together like this.”

Other public figures who took part included television presenter Ben Shephard, 51, and football pundit Chris Kamara, 68, accompanied by his son Jack. The event drew thousands of runners across all levels, combining competitive sport with charitable fundraising in tribute to individuals and causes.