Simon Donald, who co-founded adult humour comic Viz, is set to host the ‘Run, Rock n Raise’ concert whilst also designing the programme for the event.
Newcastle born Simon created Viz in the 70s with his brother Chris and school friend Jim Brownlow. The comic sold more than one million copies a month in the UK at its peak. Simon left his position as co-editor at Viz to pursue a career in stand-up comedy, writing and performing in seven Edinburgh Fringe shows.
Simon will be using the skills that made Viz so popular in the 80s to create an iconic event programme for the ‘Run, Rock n Raise’ concert.
Simon said “To be involved in the inaugural ‘Run, Rock & Raise’ concert in my home town of Newcastle, which is raising funds for three excellent charities located in the North East, makes me immensely proud. I hope everyone running and not running the Great North Run will join in the fun and buy a ticket and support our local children and young people”
Launched by Graham Wylie, the founder of Sage and one of the North East’s best known entrepreneurs, the Graham Wylie Foundation is one of a rare few charities anywhere in the world to hand 100% of donations to deserving causes, with Graham meeting all running, staff and administration costs, ensuring every single penny raised goes towards helping, inspiring and educating children across the region.
Foundation CEO Angie Jenkison, said “Simon is one of my oldest friends and we went to school together, I am so happy he has agreed to create the programme, there’s no doubt that the programme will become an iconic collector’s item for the future”.
“Simon will be compering the event, the Kaiser Chiefs will be headlining Kodaline and local Whitley Bay band Lisbon will also be performing.”
Run, Rock n Raise is in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust, music charity Nordoff Robbins and the Graham Wylie Foundation. The concert takes place on the evening of the Great North Run day, Sunday September 11th. All money raised will stay in the region.
Tickets are now on sale and cost £25 (standing) or £35 (sitting) plus booking fees. They are available via hotline number 0844 493 6666, or at the Metro Radio Arena box office or on its website.