Salvation Army van keeps Great North runners refreshed

More than 500 hot drinks were served by The Salvation Army to runners who took part in the Great North Run earlier this month. 

The church and charity’s Emergency Response Vehicle is a staple at the finisher’s village at the half-marathon event which sees more than 60,000 people run from Newcastle to South Shields. 

A team of volunteers lead by Jason Tasker, The Salvation Army’s Divisional Youth Specialist for the North East, served more than 500 cups of tea, coffee and hot chocolate, 300 bacon sandwiches and used more than 60 pints of milk supporting runners and spectators. 

Jason said: “It was another epic Great North Run this year despite the wet weather! It’s always an exciting event to be part of.

“Each year, The Salvation Army is on hand with bacon sandwiches, hot drinks and a listening ear for runners and their friends and family. This year we we were run off our feet!

“We get such great feedback from runners who are happy to see the red shield when they cross the finish line. 

“Well done to all of the runners and thank you to those who ran on behalf of The Salvation Army, your dedication to raising money to help people who are vulnerable means so much. Now planning starts for next year!”

The Salvation Army has twenty-seven Emergency Response Vehicles across the country supporting blue light organisations with food and drink as well as emotional support during incidents.