by A care home worker has raised £1,550 for charity by taking part in the Great North Run.
Amy Melia, divisional sales and marketing manager at Latimer Court Care Home in Worcester, ran the 13.1 mile half marathon on Sunday September 8 to raise money for the Barchester Charitable Foundation.
The foundation helps seniors and adults with disabilities or mental health issues connect with their communities.
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Having worked at Barchester for over five years, Ms Melia was determined to take on the fundraising challenge.
She embarked on a strict 20-week training regime, including weightlifting, hill running and interval training, to prepare for the race.
The race starts in Newcastle and sees thousands of runners cross the Tyne Bridge before finishing in South Shields.
Ms Melia said: “It was my first time doing the Great North Run and I absolutely loved it, despite the wind and rain on the day.
“The atmosphere was fantastic and I am incredibly proud to have been one of the 60,000 runners who took part.
“I’m looking forward to my next challenge for the foundation now, I’ve definitely got the bug.”
Ms Melia also shared a personal moment from her racing day, saying: “My mum greeted me with a celebratory can of Holsten Pils, which is a family affair. We lost my dad three years ago years and no matter where we went, my father always had a Holsten Pils.
“He was with me throughout the race, helping me get through it, so it was for Dad.”
Nursing home staff and residents all expressed pride in Ms. Melia’s success and her contribution to the foundation.
You can still support her by visiting her fundraising page at https://ajbellgreatnorthrun2024.enthuse.com/pf/amy-melia.
