On Sunday 20th July, 22 dialysis and transplant patients, carers, family and friends from throughout the North East went on a 3-hour cruise from the bridges in Newcastle to the mouth of the Tyne in South Shields. The weather was very kind to us, mostly sunshine for the majority of the trip. One of the highlights of the trip was the opening of the Millennium Bridge to allow us pass under it. It was great to see the amount of people on Newcastle Quayside who stopped to watch the bridge opening and wave at us all on the boat.

On board was a very interesting gentleman who gave us a running commentary on the history and changes on the Tyne. In the past ship building was the main industry on both sides of the Tyne. The main industries now on the Tyne are importing and exporting goods including Nissan cars from the port of Tyne dock to offshore pipelines and cables at Wallsend. There has also been a lot of housing/flats built on the river offering a different style of living.

What was clearly evident, there is still a lot of industry and tourism on the river. On the day of our trip there was concert on the Quay at North Shields and another outside the Sage with plenty of local support.

The day was a good chance for me to take photos from the water and spend a day out with my mam.
Everyone I spoke to said they had a good day helped by the weather. It was also good opportunity to speak to other patients and carers and enjoy the trip.