Volunteer to Take Part in Great Northern Run to Raise Funds for Blackpool Care Home

An MHA volunteer will be taking part in the Great Northern Run to raise funds for a Blackpool care home.

Tom Seal will be participating in the event to raise funds for MHA Pennystone Court.

The home is hoping to raise £500 for a caravan that has already been purchased and convert it into a tearoom for residents to take their visitors for afternoon teas and other activities.

A JustGiving page has been set up and so far, more than £300 has been raised.

The Great North Run is the second largest half marathon in the world, taking place annually in Northeast England each September.

This is the first time Tom will be taking part in The Great Northern Run and wanted it to be for a worthy cause, so when Jan Chebrika, regional fundraiser for MHA told him about MHA Pennystone Court, he was more than happy to help.

He said: “I started running around a year ago and was on the lookout for a good cause to support.

“Jan got in touch with me and mentioned Pennystone Court and I was happy to support.

“I have been training for the event and due to the work and sometimes the weather I go for runs in the evening as it works better for me.

“I am looking forward to the event, hopefully we can smash the target and the home has plenty of funds to do what they need to do.

Marcia Sowe, deputy manager at the home said:” We sourced a caravan for the residents for them to reminisce and enjoy the company of their families and guests.

“Now for us to move forward we need some help and through the funds we raise we will be able to turn the caravan into a nice tearoom.

“The garden area will be tidied, and we want to replicate a tearoom with a pleasant view.

“We are aiming to get this done by next spring and wish Tom all the best for this run and I hope we raise the funds we need.”