STAFF and residents at a care home have raised more than £500 for a charity which delivers urgent medical supplies to hospitals.

Rebecca Boyle, Susan Hollinshead, Ashley Bennison, Paula Jarvis and Vickie Arkless, who work at Brockwell Court Care Home, in Consett, joined residents Marian Stephenson and Ann Wilkin to walk 12 miles from the home to the University Hospital of North Durham (UHND) in Durham to raise money for Northumbria Blood Bikes.

Care home manager Natalie Graham said: “We were put in touch with Northumbria Blood Bikes by a volunteer who helps at our regular Thursday coffee mornings here at the home, and when we heard about the vital service they perform we wanted to do our bit to help.

“My team took on the challenge with their usual enthusiasm and we’re particularly proud of our two residents, Marian Stephenson and Ann Wilkin who completed the walk.

“We’re absolutely delighted to have raised such a substantial sum to help Northumbria Blood Bikes make a difference in the community and are grateful to everyone for their sponsorship.”

Kirsty Lawrence, from Northumbria Blood Bikes, said: “We were astonished to find out about the challenge the residents and staff were undertaking on behalf of our charity.

“Their dedication and commitment to supporting us makes us extremely proud of the communities we are helping. A simple thank you does not seem to cover how grateful we are for their efforts and the money raised is greatly appreciated.

“The funds will enable us to help improve the health care of countless people so it’s not just us as a charity that will be benefitting.”