FLYING HIGH WITH A 10 MILE HIKE

A group of fundraisers and staff put their best foot forward to raise funds for three local North East charities recently. Newcastle International Airport’s Nial10Mile challenge marked one of the airport’s most ambitious fundraising plans to date, with staff members lacing up their walking boots for a 10-mile hike. The Foundation of Light is one of three football foundations alongside with Newcastle United and Middlesbrough, who have been adopted by the airport as their nominated charities and are benefitting from generous staff and millions of passengers who have supported their community work. Graeme Mason, Planning and Corporate Affairs Director at Newcastle International Airport, said: “I am very proud of the Nial10Mile team and thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the challenge. “I would like to say a huge thank you to all of the family members, friends and business partners whose sponsorship helped us to exceed our £2,500 target. The three regional football foundations do a fantastic job and we are delighted to support them.

I am looking forward to next year’s challenge, with the team already looking at what we can do to better this year’s achievement

Graeme Mason, Planning and Corporate Affairs Director at Newcastle International Airport

All three charities receive vital donations used to change the lives of thousands of families in the region. The route began at the airport, carried on through Woolsington, Kenton Bank Foot before heading back through Ponteland to return to the airport. Nearly £3,000 has been raised by the walkers, which will be split between Foundation of Light, Newcastle United Foundation and Middlesbrough Foundation. Jemma Dowson Foundation of Light’s Head of Events said: “We have worked with Newcastle International Airport for many years now and are very grateful of their and passenger support. “The 10-mile walk was a challenge but one which has raised vital funds for Sunderland, Newcastle and Middlesbrough Foundations and I would like to thank everyone who has supported us and helped us to change lives of people in the city.”