A NUMBER of North-East health clubs have raised thousands of pounds in support of children’s charity, Operation Smile.

£15,000 has recently been raised for the charity by a selection of Bannatyne’s Health Clubs across the region, following the success of various fund-raising activities including “Bake a Smile” and spinning “Miles for Smiles”.

The North-East clubs involved in the events were Chester-le-Street, Coulby Newham, Darlington, Durham and Ingleby Barwick. Staff and members of the clubs also took part in Zumba and Aquarobics in fancy dress.

Founded in 1982, Operation Smile is an international children’s medical charity, dedicated to helping improve the health and lives of children. The charity has more than 5,400 medical volunteers from over 80 countries.

Duncan Bannatyne, chairman of Bannatyne Health Clubs and ambassador for Operation Smile, recently visited Vietnam with the charity to see for himself the life-changing work that it carries out.

Over 220,000 free surgeries for children and young adults have been provided by the charity, which also trains local doctors and medical professionals in its partner countries.

This latest round of funding ensures that more than 100 children in developing countries will benefit from life-changing operations.

Kate McKeands, events and community fundraising manager at Operation Smile, said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the response from staff and members at Bannatyne’s Health Clubs; they really put their heart and souls into raising money to change kids’ lives.”