A MEMBER of staff at The Dales Care Home in Draughton is preparing to take part in next month's Great North Run.

Amy Melia will be running the half marathon, which takes place on Sunday, September 8, to raise money for care home owner, Barchester's charitable foundation, which supports older people and other adults living with a disability or mental health problems by helping them to connect or re-connect with others in their local communities.

The 13.1 mile race starts in Newcastle upon Tyne and takes thousands of runners over the Tyne Bridge finishing up in South Shields.

Amy, divisional sales and marketing manager, who has worked for Barchester Healthcare for more than five years, has been on a 20 week training regime with a personal trainer, and has been lifting weights, hill running and interval training.

She said: “This is my first time doing the Great North Run and I’m really excited to take part. I have been running on and off for years and I absolutely love it, but this is definitely the longest distance I have ever taken on. I’m hoping to raise lots of money for the foundation. I know all the staff, residents and relatives at The Dales plus my family and friends are behind me and their support plus the money I’m raising will help me go the distance."

To support Amy, visit: https://ajbellgreatnorthrun2024.enthuse.com/pf/amy-melia