Two actors from the ITV series Vera will take on the Great North Run this September to raise money for the Sunday for Sammy Trust, which supports aspiring performers from the North East.
Runners announced for charity team
Riley Jones, who played DC Mark Edwards in Vera, and Louis Healy, son of Denise Welch and Sunday for Sammy patron Tim Healy, will run the 13.1-mile route from Newcastle to South Shields on September 13. Louis has also appeared in Vera, and both he and Brenda Blethyn, who is also a patron, have performed in the biennial fundraiser show.
The pair will be joined by musician and songwriter Ben Harwood, as well as Roselle Oberholzer, Elaine Small, Freddie Miles, Dan Irwin, Ben Griffin and Wayne Abbott. The event is set to be the biggest yet, with a record 63,000 runners marking its 45th anniversary.
Supporting the next generation
The team aims to boost the trust's work in providing grants, bursaries and career development opportunities in acting, music, dance and behind-the-scenes roles. Ray Laidlaw, who produces the Sunday for Sammy shows, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone taking part in this year’s Great North Run.
“Louis and Riley are wonderful ambassadors for the trust. Both have built impressive acting careers while remaining passionate about supporting young talent from the North East. Together with the rest of the team, they’re helping ensure the region continues to produce outstanding performers for stage and screen.”
Entertainment on the route
Sunday for Sammy will again provide entertainment on the day, with its Bands on the Run Stage returning to the Gateshead side of the Tyne Bridge, featuring local musicians, performers and bands playing live.
