Doing good things in the North East, our charity round-up

Luxe checks in with James Dixon of Lines Behind, the local illustrator who went from Tynemouth Market stall to commissioning for one of the largest charity sporting spectacles in the country

James Dixon is a big lover of his hometown. His designs showcase everything he knows and loves about his beloved Newcastle. Starting as a hobby, James saw his designs rise in popularity at his local makers market. A whirlwind journey quickly followed, commissioning pieces for local celebrities and big business - but his ‘pinch me’ moment came this year when he was approached by event organisers to illustrate the official finisher’s t-shirt, medal and memorabilia for the Great North Run.

The business is blowing up and constantly growing. What started as a little hobby at Tyneside Market has grown into something incredible - working with global brands and enterprises. We’ve now got clients from Brighton right up to Edinburgh, as well as all of the amazing work we do with local people and businesses. We’re designing everything from interior office spaces, to merchandise for events and our popular ‘Geordie’ product range which sits in Fenwick Newcastle.

This partnership has been a pinnacle moment for me. To be asked to work with an event as huge as the Great North Run hit home a little bit and made me realise that this is why I work so hard, for wonderful opportunities like this. It has been really well received and I can’t wait to see it all come together on the day. There’s no bigger North East event than the Great North Run - 60,000 runners from all over wearing my design on their finisher’s t-shirt and medal, it’s incredibly overwhelming.

We’ve illustrated the finisher’s t-shirt and medal, as well as signage and the official memorabilia of the race day - so we’ve done everything from greetings cards, to mugs, prints and tea towels, all of which you can order online now.

The illustration tells a story. Like the race itself, it incorporates iconic moments, community spirit and why the Great North Run will continue to go down in history as one of the most spectacular charity sporting events in the country. I was given a lot of freedom to make it my own, so that’s exactly what I did. The team had full confidence in me and that was really encouraging. There are certain things that stick out for me when it comes to the Great North Run; like the rattles of the charity buckets, the sweets, the fancy dress - it’s endless, so I wanted to pack in as much of that as I could. There’s so much happening. There’s a lot of diversity in there when it comes to race and disabilities, which is so important. It just confirms that the Great North Run is an event for everyone - and something we’re incredibly proud of here in the North East.

Of course, I had to include the Red Arrows flying over the Tyne Bridge - no matter where you are in the race, it’s a real goosebumps moment, so that had to be incorporated into the design as a statement piece. The t-shirt has a lot of personality - it perfectly sums up this treasured race day and will (hopefully) be something people can pull out of their gym box in five or 10 years time and promote happy memories. The medal will probably go down as the best thing I’ve ever worked on. I’ve got it in my hand as we speak, and it’s phenomenal to think I designed it. I’ve taken part in the Great North Run 10 times now, and every time I cherish my medal and finisher’s t-shirt, so I hope this year’s runners will do the same.

I am! It’s my 11th year, and it’s going to be so surreal. This is the first year the race is returning to its usual route, finishing on the seafront in South Shields, so it feels like an extra big celebration in that sense. I can’t wait!

Five fantastic charity events you can support this season

Say ‘I Do, I Do, I Do’ to The Sunshine Fund’s glitzy annual ball at The Grand Hotel Gosforth Park this September. A sparkling Abba-themed event is enough to tempt anyone looking to let their hair down and have a good time. As well as an evening of feel-good entertainment and fundraising, you’ll get to enjoy delicious food and drink, plus plenty of other surprises on the night. Hosted by the BBC’s Anna Foster, you’re guaranteed good times at this brilliant ball.

The charity’s first charity golf day is set to tee off at Close House this September, inviting businesses to get involved for a day of networking, team bonding and doing your bit for good causes. All of that, plus a glorious day on the greens of the Lee Westwood Filly Course, as well as breakfast, a post-golf meal, competitions, raffles and presentation.

Walk, jog, skip or dance your way around a colourful 5k route within the scenic Stewart Park, to help raise vital funds for our friends at Teesside Hospice. You’ll be encouraged along the way with live music and plenty of powdered paint. Don’t forget to celebrate with family and friends in the charity’s Champion’s Village, where you’ll be able to pick up your goodie bag.

To mark World Alzheimer’s Month, Pepperells Solicitors are hosting a very special Ladies Day event in aid of Alzheimer’s Research UK. The event will include fizz, fashion, music and lots of networking. The day will also include an expo from local Newcastle businesses, as well as a raffle and silent auction with some fantastic prizes on offer.