NORTHUMBRIA Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is asking people to get involved and help to raise money for its Bright charity.

The world's biggest half-marathon takes place on Sunday, September 11, and Bright has a limited number of charity places available.

Runners must pay a £59 registration fee and commit to raising £200 in sponsorship.

Northumbria Healthcare's Chief Executive, Sir James Mackey, said: "The Great North Run is a fantastic event and a wonderful example of the kind of community spirit we have in the North East."

READ MORE: SNEAK PEEK: The Crown Inn in Catton new £150,000 makeover

"As well as being a special day and a good challenge for many, it also raises much-needed funds for charities such as our very own Bright charity, which does such a great job in providing additional support for our patients and staff.

"We are part of the national Active Hospitals pilot, which is about encouraging our patients and staff to be more active, because we know how important physical activity is for our health and wellbeing," he said.

Bright funds what the NHS does not, including better facilities for patients and their families at hospitals in Northumberland and North Tyneside, alongside staff support to enable them to provide the best care possible.

Money goes towards improving the hospital environment, buying specialist equipment and providing extras which make a difference to the experience of patients.

But you don't have to run a half-marathon to support Bright and its work for patients and staff.

On Tuesday, July 5, residents in Northumberland are invited to host their own NHS Big Tea event on the health service's 74th birthday.

Led by NHS Charities Together, the NHS Big Tea brings the nation together to celebrate while raising funds to provide extra support for staff, patients, and volunteers.

This year, NHS Charities Together hopes to make the event the biggest NHS Big Tea to date, with a collective target of £775,000.

Ellie Orton OBE, Chief Executive at NHS Charities Together, said: "The NHS can't face every challenge alone and the network of NHS charities is proud to have funded hundreds of incredible projects supporting staff, patients and communities."

To sign up to host an NHS Big Tea event, visit www.nhsbigtea.co.uk/find?charityId=186992.

To register for the Great North Run, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/great-north-run-2022-registration-299418527877.