The chief executive of Greggs is to join runners to mark 40 years of the bakery firm’s partnership with a North East charity.
Children’s Cancer North and Newcastle food-on-the-go business Greggs have worked together since 1983 in a connection that has helped raise millions of pounds for people and families affected by childhood cancer. The Children’s Cancer Run has grown to become the UK’s biggest single charity fun run, attracting more than 10,000 runners and spectators and the 40th annual event – which has been backed by Greggs since the start – takes place on May 14 at Newcastle Racecourse.
Greggs provides free snack packs for up to 10,000 runners and also provides a hospitality area for the 300-plus volunteers. In the weeks leading up to the Children’s Cancer Run, the company also raises money for the charity through its stores in the region. Greggs chief executive Roisin Currie plans to participate in the run with 40 colleagues to commemorate the special anniversary of the event, which has helped to raise £8m to fund research, provide support for children and families affected by childhood cancer, and raise awareness of disease.
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Ms Currie said: “Since Greggs was founded, we have been committed to helping people in our local communities and we have always believed in sharing our success with others.
“In 2021 we launched our sustainability report, The Greggs Pledge, and further embedded our commitment to building stronger, healthier communities. Our proud 40 year partnership with Children’s Cancer North shows how this is a core part of our Greggs DNA.
“As a fantastic North East based charity, whose positive impact can be seen far and wide, we are delighted once again to fund the delivery of the Children’s Cancer Run, as well as providing Greggs favourites to all the runners and volunteers.
“We are very excited for this year’s 40th anniversary event and I will be running the route myself, with a passionate team of 40 of our Greggs colleagues. Customers can do their bit too, by looking out for charity donation buckets in our North East and Cumbria shops during May, and by also signing-up for the run.”
Chris Peacock, chair of Children’s Cancer North, said: “Greggs’ 40 year support for the Children’s Cancer Run is one of the reasons the event has become one of the most iconic and established in the region. People that ran as children are now running with their own families, and Greggs has been part of that journey from the very beginning. As a national brand with a proud North East heritage, Greggs invests in the community and shares our commitment to make life better for children with cancer.
“As well as helping to fund the delivery of the Children’s Cancer Run each year through a generous donation, Greggs’ wider support really adds to people’s experience on the day, making the Children’s Cancer Run a truly unique and special event.”
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