A group of charitable people have joined forces to raise money for two important Hartlepool charities in the Great North Run 2022.
Hartlepool Carers and the PFC Trust have been chosen by six runners with close ties to both who are taking part in the largest half marathon in the world, taking place this Sunday in Newcastle.
Last year the two charities worked together to raise £50,000 to go towards a respite caravan for Hartlepool Carers as part of the PFC Trust's UChangeLives 25 campaign, and additional sums were used for the Trust’s Covid-19 response.
Sarah Smith, who has worked with Hartlepool Carers for two years, is one of the six runners. She said: “Having worked for Hartlepool Carers for two years, I know the amazing work that they do as well as how important it is to bring in funds to support carers both young and old and enable them to take part in various activities. Both my daughter and I are also registered as Carers and have benefitted first-hand from the services they offer.
“I have also recently become involved with The PFC Trust, another worthy charity and I’m honoured to represent both of these organisations in this year's Great North Run.
"This will be my fourth GNR, including one virtual one, and sadly training hasn't gone to plan this year for personal reasons but whether I walk, run, or crawl I will be getting over that finish line and hopefully raising a lot of money in the process!”
Anita Gaffney, Drew and Nikki Lilley, George Callaghan and Paul Hewitson, the director of Hartlepower, are among the group that is taking part.
Paul said: “I’ll be doing my first Great North Run to support Hartlepool Carers and The PFC Trust - two amazing organisations that support many people in town.”
The group are raising funds in person as well as their Just Giving page, which has pulled together more than £200 already.
To donate to help Hartlepool Carers and the PFC Trust, head to
www.justgiving.com/campaign/TGNR or contact
The PFC Trust to find other ways to assist. https://www.thepfctrust.org