FORMER servicewoman Angela Kelly, who works for a charity providing support to veterans and others will be raising money for the Samaritans when she takes part in the Great North Run.

Angela, 47, of Sacriston, County Durham, said: “The Samaritans is a charity close to my heart, particularly with the work I do at Finchale Group in Durham.

“Finchale supports people, sometimes with complex needs who need that extra bit of support, which is where the Samaritans come in.

“We have a lot veterans, ex-members of the armed forces, and a lot of other people we work with that find it hard with their day-to-day needs.

“The Samaritans are a vital necessity, particularly out of hours.

“There are organisations who do the core hours of nine to five, but its that extra support provided on an evening.”

Angela, served for 23 year in the regular army and went on tours to Kosovo, Falkland Islands and Kosovo, before leaving as a warrant officer class two five years ago.

She last took part in a Great North Run in 2010, in memory of Sergeant Steven Campbell of Pelton, near Chester-le-Street, who was with 3 Rifles when he was killed by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan. On that occasion Angela walked chanting football songs in his memory.