As the world famous Red Arrows fly over the start line of the Bupa Great North Run on Sunday, there will a small team of runners for which the moment will be particularly special and poignant.
Dr Emma Egging, the widow of Flt Lt. Jon Egging, the pilot tragically killed during a display last month, will be taking part in the Bupa Great North Run wearing a red number four, in memory of her husband who flew plane number four, or ‘Red 4’ in the team.
Emma will be taking part with Angie James, the partner of ‘Red 6 ‘ and Graham Bagnall, the ground commander of the display team who is known as ‘Red 10’. Together they will be announcing the formation of the Jon Egging Trust, a charity that will give disadvantaged young people the opportunity to achieve their potential by experiencing the thrill of flying.
Emma said “I am bowled over by the opportunity to run in memory of Jon, for the Reds and to raise awareness of the Trust we are setting up in his name”
“Whilst it will be a very emotional day, I’m looking forward to taking part and then seeing the Reds display at the finish line.”
The Red Arrows will fly over the Bupa Great North Run start line at 10.39, before flying over the Tyne Bridge in the ‘missing man’ formation at 11.05. The traditional display at South Shields will take place at 13.15, as thousands of runners will be streaming across the finish line having completed the half marathon.
The Bupa Great North Run will be live on BBC One from 09.30 on Sunday morning and the coverage will include the Red Arrows’ performances.
Click here to find out more about the Jon Egging Trust
