I’m Jemma and I’m so excited to be running the Great North Run for The Salvation Army in Blaydon this year. I took up running a few years ago to improve my mental health and physical fitness and am privileged to have the opportunity to run for a charity that is close to my heart.

The Salvation Army has been working with local people in the community of Blaydon since 1878 and my family, friends and other members of the community have benefitted from the amazing work they do. In recent years they have run kids and teens youth clubs, a cooking and budgeting Victory programme, a Christmas toy distribution service, schools work – mentoring, nurture groups, one to one and family support, a Wellbeing group, holiday clubs, Messy Church, children’s and youth residential activity camps and, with the other churches in Blaydon, have opened and run a community larder. If all that wasn’t enough they have also recently started a parent and carer toddler group!!

As with all charities The Salvation Army relies on donations to be able to continue its work within the community so please give whatever you can to help me raise as much money as possible for this worthy charity and on the day please cheer me on! THANK YOU!!