Care home staff and residents are gearing up to cheer on a member of their team taking on the gruelling Great North Run for charity.

Broadway Halls in Dudley's sales and marketing manager, Amy Melia, will get her running shoes on for the demanding half marathon, all in support of Barchester’s Charitable Foundation.

The foundation connects old and disabled adults experiencing mental health problems with others in their communities.

On Sunday, September 8, she will join thousands of runners trekking across the Tyne Bridge in the race, which starts in Newcastle upon Tyne and ends in South Shields.

An employee of Barchester Healthcare for over five years, Ms Melia is no stranger to a challenge.

Having secured a place in the Great North Run, she has undergone a rigorous 20-week training programme, involving hill running, weight lifting, and interval training, running different distances at different paces.

Ms Melia said: "This is my first time doing the Great North Run and I’m really excited to take part.

"I have been running on and off for years and I absolutely love it, but this is definitely the longest distance I have ever taken on.

"I’m hoping to raise lots of money for the foundation.

"I know all the staff, residents and relatives at Broadway Halls, plus my family and friends are behind me and their support plus the money I’m raising will help me go the distance."

To show your support for her efforts, visit the official donation website.

The care home, run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the largest care providers in the UK, offers a range of service, including residential care, dementia care, nursing care and respite care.