A Great North Run message of solidarity!

A few words from the wonderful Rob, who raised £795 for us at The Great North Run.

'For me, patriotism isn’t about geography or symbols. It’s about people. It’s about actions. It’s about doing the WORK to make this place somewhere to actually be proud of.

60,000 people gathered, yet again, to raise £25 million pounds for worthy causes. Runners stopped to help strangers they saw struggling. People gave their literal blood, sweat and tears for the benefit of others. That’s patriotism.

Thousands more volunteered their time to facilitate, keep everyone safe, hand out water, marshal and clean up. That’s patriotism.

Thousands of people from every background spent their Sunday on the sidelines cheering, high fiving and handing out treats they bought with their own money. The North East came together to support each other as a community. They had pride in each other. That’s patriotism.

By Monday, the roads were open, the rubbish was clear, the city was restored to order. That’s patriotism.

Real patriotism takes hard work and empathy. I saw so much of that on Sunday, and I see that in the work WERS do.

It’s been a privilege to be involved briefly with the cause, so thank you, and keep up the good work 🙏'