Workplace technology specialist Agilico's team participated in the world's biggest half marathon, the Great North Run on behalf of North East icon - Alan Shearer - to raise vital funds for his Foundation.
On September 8, roughly 30 of Agilico’s team laced up their trainers for the iconic Great North Run, raising more than £22,000 for Alan Shearer Foundation.
Agilico, with its North East HQ in Team Valley, Gateshead, had runners from right across its various UK sites. The leader in cutting-edge workplace technology, boasts expertise across four key areas, Sustainable Managed Print, Automated Invoice Processing, Hosted VoIP Telephony and Agile Working and has been a big supporter of the Foundation for many years.
The funds were raised by the Agilico team for the Alan Shearer Centre, a specialist respite, residential and social facility dedicated to providing support and resources for people living with complex disabilities and acute sensory impairments. The Alan Shearer Centre offers an array of facilities completely free of charge.
For many of Agilico’s people this was their first Great North Run. The iconic 13 mile run from Newcastle to South Shields tested many of them. Warren Colby Agilico North Director echoed this: “Running for me isn’t fun, but it’s necessary to raise the funds we want to make an impact for this cause which means so much to us all here at Agilico. And it truly inspired our training efforts! I would like to thank everyone for their donations; it is so appreciated!”
Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer expressed his gratitude, stating, “We aredelighted to have the support of the Agilico team. They have been unwavering in their support of the Foundation for a considerable time, and we are incredibly grateful for their efforts. Their fundraising is vital for the Foundation’s sustainability, and their commitment to training and participating in the run is equally impressive.”
The Great North Run is synonymous with charitable causes, raising an estimated £25 million for charity each year.
Jennifer Bartley of The Great Run Company, said: “Agilico and other organisations that chose to run for charity help ensure important causes get a vital boost. The Great North Run is a celebration of the community spirit of the North East and the 43rd staging of the run on Sunday, 8 September was reflective of that.”
Matt Bowmaker from the Alan Shearer Foundation highlighted the importance of these contributions, stating: “Every penny we raise goes directly to the Alan Shearer Centre, a highlyspecialist resource for people living with complex disabilities and acute sensory impairments.
“The collaboration between Agilico and the Alan Shearer Foundation embodies the very essence of the values of giving and community, and was an exciting and uplifting experience for all involved.”
For those keen to make donations to the cause, please visit: www.agilico.co.uk/GNR