Charity champions to pound the pavement in aid of Northallerton cause
Six charity champions are lacing up their running shoes this weekend to raise vital funds for a Northallerton sensory centre.
Colleagues at Align will pound the pavement at Sunday’s Northallerton 10k in aid of Pendragon Community Trust, whose multi-sensory centre in the town provides a safe space for vulnerable adults, children and their families.
The team at Align have already raised more than £500 in sponsorship – taking the company’s fundraising efforts this year for Pendragon to more than £1,600.
The brave six – Nicola Blumer, Inaki Gaspar, Kelsey Collins, Craig Nelson, Joel Bint and Jack Askew – will join thousands of other competitors in tackling the 6.2-mile course on race day.
Nicola, who works as a business development administrator, said: “It’s such a great event in my hometown and an opportunity to raise money for worthy local causes.
“I’m running along with my husband and three nephews, so it’ll be a real family affair this year and it’s always such a wonderful atmosphere.
“I’ve ran the Northallerton 10k twice before but only watched last year, and that motivated me to pull my running shoes back on and get out there this time around.”
Associate transport planner, Inaki, will be running the event for the first time.
He said: “I’ve done a few running events in the past but nothing in the last three years since I did Leeds Half Marathon in 2022. I’m just pleased the day after is a Bank Holiday as I may struggle to walk!
“It’s great to see people on the streets cheering the runners – it helps you push through the pain and push yourself. I’m sure it’s going to be a cheerful environment and I’m really looking forward to my first Northallerton 10k.”
Align employees also raised money in aid of Pendragon Community Trust at the Business Fives Tees Valley charity football tournament earlier this year.
That event, plus the Northallerton 10k fundraising and sponsorship, means Align’s multi-disciplinary team of architects, engineers and sustainability experts have now raised more than £1,600 for Pendragon Community Trust so far in 2025.
Centre manager at Pendragon Community Trust, Julia Downes, said: “We can’t thank Align enough for their support.
“Not only are they raising money through sponsorship, but the company are also one of our new sponsors for the event and will proudly have the charity’s name on the back of their runners’ vests.
“For Align to have raised £1,600 already this year is incredible and we are so grateful. The money means we can continue to support adults, children, families and carers across the local area and beyond.”
You can show your support and sponsor the team by visiting their dedicated JustGiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/page/align-property-partners-1.
