Global entrepreneur, Dragons' Den star, and Newton Aycliffe native Sara Davies is set to do a half marathon in aid of a North East NHS charity. 

Having never lost touch with her North East heritage, Sara will be putting on her running shoes this spring to raise money for County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust Charity. 

Sara, who has become a household name through Dragons' Den and Strictly and will be the guest speaker at The Northern Echo's first BUSINESSiQ Awards on April 28th at Ramside Hall, kicked off her entrepreneurial endeavours in Newton Aycliffe - and the headquarters of her global business Crafter's Companion are still in the town. 

The money that Sara raises during her half marathon will go towards transforming an outdoor space that is currently used for rehabilitation after long-term critical illnesses. 

Read more: Dragons’ Den's Sara Davies MBE to invest in Newton Aycliffe business

Sara said, "I am so thrilled to be doing the Great North Run for County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust Charity and love that I'm able to combine my love of running with providing much-needed support for our NHS Charity in its 75th year.

“I'll be fundraising to help transform an outdoor space where patients recovering after critical illness (RaCI) can undergo rehabilitation, following what can be many weeks or months of being in a hospital ward.

"We have all had to use our wonderful NHS service at some point in our lives and our local trusts have such a positive impact on so many families in the community. 

"I hope I can do them proud!"

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County Durham & Darlington Foundation Trust Charity helps enhance the care and well-being of patients, staff and their families through the provision of medical equipment, products, service and education that would not be available to the NHS Trust other than through charitable giving.

Pat Chambers Charity Development Manager at CDDFT Charity said, “We’re absolutely delighted to have Sara’s support, she is such a fantastic person and much-loved celebrity not only for her entrepreneurial skills, as demonstrated with her own business Crafter’s Companion but inspiring and investing in so many other entrepreneurs as part of her Dragons’ Den role.

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“Sara and the Crafter’s Companion team are recognised for their support of local charities and we cannot thank her enough for taking on this challenging event for us.

"I’m sure after her time on the dance floor with Strictly, she will be fleet of foot as part of this year’s Great North Run.”

If you would like to help Sara as she takes on this challenge to support her local NHS Charity in this the NHS's 75th birthday year you can donate via https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/saradaviesne