Ten Teamwork Trust supporters have started training for the Great North Run this month – collectively aiming to raise at least £10,000 for the local charity.

Northamptonshire business people, a husband and wife duo and representative from Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce are among the team signed up for the half marathon in September, to help Teamwork Trust support its Northamptonshire members – people with mental health needs, learning and physical disabilities.

44 year-old Northants businessman and leader of the Kettering Business Network, Simon Cox has run half marathons in the past but says he is particularly excited to run for Teamwork Trust as he will be running alongside his wife, Natalie – also part of the team. “I have heard so many great things about the Great North Run so I am really looking forward to it, even though the route itself is apparently very challenging. I love being part of a team – it gives me real focus and motivates me to get fitter but doing it for Teamwork Trust along with my wife will make it extra special. I can deal with the tiredness and fatigue knowing I am raising money for such a great charity.”

Teamwork Trust is the Charity of the Year for Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce and their Policy Executive, Ellie Southgate, is also among the Great North Run team. She said: “Having previously worked for charities and in the NHS I have a strong sympathy for community-based health and wellbeing actions and think the work the Teamwork Trust counsellors perform is outstanding and probably unique in this country, in its scope and accessibility for all.”

“I am most looking forward to running over the Tyne Bridge and running past my husband and our little one. I couldn’t get out of bed and get running without his support and we’re both quite competitive with our training too. I’m relying on the support of my colleagues to help me smash my £1,000 target.”

Also taking part is 32 year-old Allen Tew, Groups, Conference and Sales Co-Ordinator at Holiday Inn Express, Kettering. “I have competed in marathons before,” he said. “Four full length marathons and two half marathons, so I am not nervous, they’re so much fun. I’m completing 5km runs every day to train and will change this up soon. I am also eating healthily and getting my diet right. Crossing the finishing line and feeling a sense of achievement having raised money for Teamwork Trust will feel amazing.”

45 year-old Christopher Vickers is a lifelong Newcastle United supporter and has always wanted to do the Great North Run. He said “I am especially looking forward to going over the Tyne Bridge as that really means something to me as a Newcastle United football fan. I am not nervous at the moment, I’m sure I will be on the start line though. I have visited Teamwork’s Corby centre many times and the members know me personally so doing it for them will give me a real sense of pride.”

Teamwork Trust strategic director, John Bruce said, “We want to say a huge thank you to all the runners and we are so excited to watch their progress as the event draws nearer. We have had supporters take part in the Great North Run for Teamwork before but never had a group this big. We are delighted they have all chosen our charity.”

Wellingborough based company Elba Ltd are supporting Teamwork by paying for the participants’ hotel accommodation. Kettering Park Hotel, who have chosen Teamwork as their charity of the year, are also offering training facilities for the runners in their gym.

If you would like to donate visit: 

https://www.teamworktrust.co.uk/Appeal/great-north-run-2018