Hannah and I have been friends since we were 4 years old. We were often best at maths and always last at the cross country run. When we were 8, Hannah’s little sister, Eleanor was born. It was said that with her red hair, blue eyes and noisy lungs she was another Clare Byrne. At 18, Hannah and I went separate ways as we attended different medical schools, Hannah went on to become an anaesthetist, I am a colorectal surgeon. Ellie grew up to be a physiotherapist. At university and beyond I remained involved in sport, playing in various hockey and tennis teams and taking part in triathlons. Hannah did not.

Last year, just before her 30 birthday, Ellie was diagnosed with advanced bowel cancer. When Hannah told me that she was going to do the Great North Run for a bowel cancer charity, it was inevitable that I would offer to accompany her. I agreed not only to do this but to run with Hannah, at her pace. Please bear this in mind when considering how much sponsorship my effort is worth!

Sadly, Ellie died in May, she was very pleased that Hannah and I were doing this run, but Hannah’s family remain divided in their confidence that I will wait for her.

Please sponsor me for this very good cause, for the people I treat every day at work and in memory of my friend’s sister.

Thank you.

Clare