In a moment of prosecco fuelled bravado at a kid's birthday party, myself and a group of friends decided to sign up for the Great North Run 2019. We are all now bricking it. I have never run a half marathon before, and I believe there's a hill about 12 miles in. My cover photo is from 8 years ago, when I was younger and had better knees. 

HOWEVER, it's for a great cause, fundraising for Alzheimer's Research UK. I'm running as part of a team of 40 people, all recruited by Marge Ainsley who also turns 40 in 2019 - so an excellent and inspirational way to celebrate that (I just went out for dinner for mine ...).

Most of us know someone living with dementia - there are over 850,000 people diagnosed in the UK, but this is predicted to increase to 2 million by 2051. Your donation will go to Alzheimer's Research UK, who receive no government funding for their research and are completely dependent on supporters for their pioneering research into what causes Alzheimer's and how we can treat and stop it. 

And if that doesn't motivate you, I promise to share a photo of me at the end of the race next to the Farrow and Ball colour chart, so you can decide whether my face is closer to 'Country Tomato' or 'Drawing Room Aubergine'.

Thanks for any contribution you make. Donating with JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity.

Rachel x