Three dedicated clinicians from Northumbria Primary Care’s Ponteland Medical Group GP practice are training to complete the Geordieman triathlon to raise funds for Bright Northumbria Healthcare Charity.

Dr Matt Thomas, Dr Ruth Chalton, and practice nurse Carrie Collins are training for the triathlon in a collective effort to support the charity that plays a crucial role in enhancing patient care across Northumberland and North Tyneside. The Geordieman consists of a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile cycle and 26.2-mile run through Druridge Bay Country Park on Sunday 1 September.

Bright’s purpose is to add a bit of extra brightness to Northumbria Healthcare, enhancing the patient experience and staff wellbeing, funding projects which go above and beyond what would normally be possible.

The charity has helped fund a huge range of projects across Northumbria Healthcare, all from the generous donations they receive. Projects have included the renovation of the Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital’s elderly care ward to provide adapted facilities for patients with dementia and the introduction of mothers expressing rooms across the trust for returning to work from maternity leave.

Dr Thomas said: “Participating in the Geordieman triathlon is not just about the challenge — it’s also about coming together as a team to support a cause that we all care about. The work that Bright does directly impacts the lives of our patients and colleagues, and we see first-hand the difference it makes.

“By taking on this challenge, we hope to raise awareness and funds that will enable the charity to continue its valuable work. We’re all proud to be a part of Northumbria Healthcare and it’s great that we are able to contribute to the work that the Bright Charity does for our patients and colleagues. We’re definitely expecting the Geordieman to be a very tough challenge, but we’re training hard to make sure that we cross the finish line in one piece!”

Northumbria Primary Care is a wholly owned subsidiary of Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Northumbria Primary Care manages 12 GP practices, serving over 120,000 patients in Northumberland and North Tyneside.

Robert Graham, Head of Bright Charity, said: “We are incredibly grateful to the Northumbria Primary Care team for their dedication to raising funds for Bright Charity. Their participation in the Geordieman triathlon highlights the strong community spirit within Northumbria Healthcare. The funds they raise will make a significant difference in the lives of our patients and staff by supporting our future projects.”

The team has set up a fundraising page where supporters can contribute to their cause. All proceeds will go directly to Bright Charity, helping to fund projects that enhance the quality of care provided across Northumbria Healthcare.

For more information about their participation and to donate, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/npcponteland-1722753895236.