Discarded clothing at the start of the Great North Run is being collected by the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) to finance their critical services.
After runners cross the start line on September 10, the GNAAS team expect to garner tonnes of clothing, left behind by runners.
Last year’s collection amassed 4,326kg of garments, filling seven vans, the resales of which funded a crucial charity call-outs.
Phil Hall, commercial project manager at GNAAS, said: “There was a big team effort last year to collect all the discarded clothing, and we were able to fill up seven vans in just an hour which was fantastic.
"We’re delighted to be able to collect the clothing again this year, and appreciate everyone who leaves their jogging bottoms, hoodies and jackets draped on the fences for us."
Forecasts of warm weather might hinder this year's haul, but the GNAAS remains optimistic.
So far in 2023, the GNAAS team, which includes a doctor and paramedic, has responded to over 1,450 incidents.
Nonetheless, the charity receives no government funding, relying on public donations to meet its £8.5m per year operating costs.
“Several of our staff and volunteers will be stationed along the route to cheer everyone on," said Tracey Wright, GNAAS events lead.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here