Charity's plea for Great North Run support

Danielle Fildes competed in the Great North Run

A rallying call has gone out for people to step forward for the Great North Run and raise money for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.

The dog assistance charity has a few Gold Bond places still available for this year’s half-marathon from Newcastle to South Shields on September 11 but the deadline to sign up is early next month.

In return for your place, you will need to pay a £53 registration fee and raise a minimum of £300 in sponsorship.

Hearing Dogs alert deaf people to household sounds that many people take for granted such as the alarm clock, doorbell or telephone as well as danger signals such as the smoke alarm. There are over 950 hearing dogs currently placed with deaf people across the UK bringing independence, confidence and companionship.

Lucy Ward, community fundraising manager for Hearing Dogs says: “We would love to welcome you to the Hearing Dogs Running Team but you must be quick off the mark and secure your place with us before that 4 July deadline!”

Once you have signed up Hearing Dogs for Deaf People will support you every step of the way with fundraising advice and the opportunity to visit their training centres and meet some of their amazing dogs.

They charity will also provide a warm welcome once you cross that finish line with much needed refreshments and professional sports massage.

One of last year’s runners Tom Hutton said: “I was greeted very warmly at the Hearing Dogs’ tent. The support given was second to none and the sports massage was really great,’

Another 2015 runner Kris Black says “‘I chose to run for Hearing Dogs because it was previously the chosen staff charity for my employer plus due to hearing loss in the family the cause has personal significance for me. The level of support was extremely good, there’s little else I could have asked for.”

Since its inception in 1982, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People has placed more than 2014 hearing dogs.

To secure your place in the Great North Run 2016 contact Lucy Ward on 01759 322255 or [email protected]

l Are you planning to participate in the Great North Run for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People or any other good causes? If so, email the details and a photograph of yourself to: [email protected]