News Release
Going the extra mile for charity
Dated: 30 Jul 2012
[View Full Size]Neighbourhood officers have been going the extra mile for charity at The Bridges.
Officers from the Sunderland City Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team jumped on static bikes and rowing machines as part of a fitness challenge at Central Square in aid of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Each team had an hour to complete their part of the fitness challenge over a 24 hour period.
The police team were the overall winners and clocked up an impressive 136km (84.5 miles) on three static bikes, one treadmill and two rowing machines in 60 minutes to raise a healthy £115. Overall, the event has so far raised just over £1,500.
Neighbourhood Inspector Mick Hall said: "It's great to take part in a community event which raises funds for a good cause. The team had a lot of fun and were happy to show their support by taking part.
"Our officers have built up strong local links at The Bridges, it's an area we regularly patrol, so it's good to get involved in community events such as this."
The fund-raising event was organised by The Bridges Shopping Centre. Andy Bradley, centre director at The Bridges, said: "The Get Fit Challenge was a huge success for all involved and everyone from The Bridges would like to give a huge congratulations to the police team.
"MS Society is our chosen National Charity Partner for 2012 and we will be demonstrating our support by holding several fundraising activities throughout the year."
The police team who took part in the event included Inspector Mick Hall, Sergeant Ged Fairclough, PCs Maria Ord, Nicola Dunn, Vic Holt, Gill Calvert and Police Community Support Officers Mick Casey and David Smith.
Other local competitors in the fitness challenge were Poundland, Bridges staff, local gym and Spark FM.
MS is the most common neurological condition affecting young adults in the UK, with 50 people diagnosed each week. The MS Society offers professional information and emotional support to people affected by the condition and provides local support delivered via a network of 320 branches, 9,000 volunteers and specialist peer support groups across the UK.
If you would like to donate please go to http://www.justgiving.com/bridgessunderland
Pictured with MS fundraising supporters (in MS t-shirts) are left to right back row: PCSO David Smith, Sergeant Ged Fairclough, PCSO Mick Casey, PC Gill Calvert, PC Vic Holt. Left to right front row: Insp Mick Hall, PC Nicola Dunn and PC Maria Ord.