Staff and members from the Haughton Road health club are taking part in the Great North Run to raise money for the charity, which is the UK’s leading national children’s charity dedicated to the fight against childhood cancer.
The club’s senior fitness advisor, Gillian Clason, is leading the team’s training ahead of the world famous half marathon. She has a long history of raising money for Children with Cancer UK, and has to date raised more than £88,000 by completing sporting challenges, such as 12 marathons, many half marathons and several cycling challenges over the last 6 years.
Gillian said: “Children with Cancer UK is a cause very close to my heart. I started fundraising for the charity after seeing first-hand the devastation cancer causes when a friend of mine lost a child to the illness.
“When you’re looking to improve your fitness it’s really important to have a goal in mind to work towards and I think the upcoming run has definitely provided everyone with plenty of motivation.
“I really appreciate so many people at the club getting involved. Everyone at the club is like a family so it’s amazing to have their support and know that they are going to be there with me.”
Sue Stockdale, General Manager at Bannatyne Health Club & Spa in Darlington, said: “I am so proud of all our staff and members who are training so hard for the Great North Run. Gillian is doing a brilliant job of leading and motivating the team, what she has already achieved over the last few years for the charity is inspirational. I’m sure the team will more than achieve their target.”
To support the club’s fundraising endeavours head to:www.virginmoneygiving.com/forhenry