A Sunderland-based family of energy workers are taking part in the Morrisons Great North Run this weekend in aid of charity Marie Curie.
Siblings Tom Usher, Ami Usher and Lucy Charlton will be joined by Tom’s brother-in-law Martin Atkinson and friend Eleanor Dover, who all work for EDF Energy at Doxford International Park.
The family team have already passed their fundraising target of £1,750, reaching almost £2,000 thanks to the generosity of their colleagues at the Sunderland customer service centre.
The energetic runners were supported in their fundraising efforts with a dress down day, tombola’s, raffles and a quiz.
Tom said: “We decided to run for Marie Curie as we know the charity carries out great work and relies heavily on donations. At EDF Energy, we learn a lot about the assistance that Marie Curie gives to those with terminal illnesses and their families as it is the company’s charity partner, and we wanted to support them outside of work too.
“We have been training hard and our colleagues have all been very supportive, so we are really looking forward to the run and handing over the final fundraising amount.”
This will be the second time Tom, 31, has taken part in the 13.1 mile half marathon from Newcastle to South Shields, however his team mates will be attempting the challenge for the first time.
EDF Energy began a three-year charity partnership with Marie Curie in May 2013. The original aim was for employees to raise £300,000 for the charity with the company matching its employees’ fundraising by up to £100,000 each year, providing a grand total of £600,000.
Over two years of partnership the company has surpassed fundraising targets and so far raised over £510,000, which with company match-funding has totalled £710,000. The funds will go towards enabling more people living with a terminal illness and their families get the care and support they need.
To donate to the EDF Energy Great North Run team please visit www.justgiving.com/edfenergygnr