A VETERAN runner is pulling on his trainers for his 35th charity race this weekend,

John Fortnum, from West Ayton, is taking part in the Great North Run to raise funds for Derwent Valley BRIDGE Community Library.

The 70-year-old said: “ This year marks my 35th Great North Run and I am thrilled to be celebrating this milestone by raising funds for Derwent Valley BRIDGE Library. The library is a vital resource for our community, run entirely by dedicated volunteers and trustees. The challenges of the pandemic and rising utility costs have placed financial pressures on the organisation. To ensure that it survives we must raise around £10,000 annually to cover running expenses. The funds raised by my Great North Run will directly support these crucial costs to make sure that we can keep the lights on and the doors open at Derwent Valley BRIDGE.”

John’s fundraising efforts can be supported by donating via his Just Giving Page or by taking part in the “Guess the Time” Competition which is running in the Library. Just call in during opening hours and guess how many hours and minutes it will take for John to complete the Great North Run. It’s only £1 per guess and the winner will win a hamper full of delicious homemade goodies.

John added: “Thank you for your donations to this important cause. Your support means everything and will keep me going to the finish line."

To donate go to https://www.justgiving.com/page/john-fortnum