CARE assistants and nurses at one of the county's care homes are putting their steps towards a good cause.

Victoria Hogg, Karen Dover, Tracy Richardson and Emily Pick, of the Charlotte Straker Project, in Corbridge, are adding their miles to the Round Britain Exercise Challenge to raise money for the charity's Covid-19 Pandemic Isolation Unit Appeal.

On average, the care workers typically tot up between 12-15,000 steps each every twelve-hour shift - the equivalent of walking seven miles around the Charlotte Straker House every day.

Now, the group are adding up their miles with the aim of virtually walking the entire coast of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland - a staggering 6,155 miles!

The Charlotte Straker Isolation Unit was formed in March, and has proved invaluable in quarantining unwell residents, new residents and those returning from a stay in hospital.

However, the Isolation Unit currently costs £6,500 every four weeks to run.

"It's been eye-opening working out how many steps we do each shift, we didn't realise quite how far we walk during a busy day at Charlotte Straker House.

"I'm really happy that I can put all this mileage to good use and raise money for the Isolation Unit", said care assistant, Victoria Hogg.

Senior care assistant, Karen Dover, who came up with the idea, added: "We've had a lot of interest from residents, who see us checking our smart watches to work out how many miles we've done so far each day."

Registered manager, Marilyn Hunter, described the unit as a 'godsend.'

She said: "We are very grateful to all those who have donated to the Isolation Unit Appeal so far, and to our hard working staff, who wanted to do their bit to help out.

"The fact that we have a special space where families can meet residents has been a godsend.

"We have very specific cleaning and staffing arrangements in these rooms, and the unit has been a key point in helping to reduce anxiety around the impact of the Covid virus on our residents and staff, and has helped our families as they know that their loved ones are protected and safe."

In September, eleven-year-old school boy, Ethan Thompson, climbed Everest virtually after 42 days on his stairs.

Ethan's grandmother is a Charlotte Straker resident and was delighted when he boosted their appeal by raising £1,243.

To sponsor 'Team Charlotte Straker' on their exercise challenge, visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/CSPExerciseChallenge