Well, I've done it!  I finished with breath left to spare in 2 hours and 34 minutes.  Not the world record time I was hoping for but I'm still hoping to make the Olympic team next year.  It was a very moving experience and something I'll never forget.  To be part of such a massive event running alongside people who had messages about loved ones and friends on their vests was very humbling.  We've been overwhelmed by your generosity and support.  It has been amazing.  I know my dad would have been touched by your wonderful messages, as have I.  Thank you, it means so much.  I'll be back next year.  Much love Ang x 

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No, you aren't seeing things, this is me really going to do the Great North Run in September.

I'm doing it in memory of my beloved dad Jim, to raise as much money as i can for Bowel Cancer UK.

My dad was one of the fittest and healthiest people you could meet. I obviously haven't taken after him! He still played competitive cricket until he got bowel cancer at the age of 75. It was only when he became ill that it stopped him. He died when he was 78 and a light went out in our lives.

As a dad he nurtured sport in all of his children,encouraging us to take part in all sporting activities. When we were kids he joked that he was Minister for Sport and mam was Minister for Education. For a long time I was quite sporty and you could say that his portfolio was fulfilled. I then dropped by the wayside for a while and it's only in this last year that i've had a go at running.  I wanted to turn that into something that would have made my dad proud in the way that I was, and still am, of him.

So, about a year ago I put my trainers on and started jogging.  My first jog lasted about five minutes and I was almost purple when I got home.  Slowly (very slowly) I built up to a couple of miles here and there and then decided to enter a proper run, the Middlesbrough 10k. Afterwards I vowed never to do it again but then slowly I think I got the bug after that. I can now run about 10 miles without stopping or expiring. Feeling quite chuffed with myself I entered the Tees Barrage 10k but felt I'd made a big mistake when I lined up as it dawned on me that this was a race for serious runners!  Club vests and the lot. There wasn't a man dressed as a turtle or a bear or a fancy dress tutu in sight! I finished in one piece in 20th place, 20th from last that is!I I started at 11 am, it was dark when i finished, people were lighting fires to keep warm waiting for me to come in.

It was then I decided to run for Bowel Cancer UK in the Great North Run. This disease can happen to anyone and I think my dad is an example of that; cancer doesn't have respect, which is why it's so important to raise money to find a cure.

So, if you feel you could sponsor me to do this it would be fantastic and would be a fitting tribute to my dad. If you want to see me running on the day I will be using Paula Radcliffe as my pace maker as they always show her on the TV. Just watch out for when she squats for a wee and you'll see me cruise past her!

I would be so grateful if you could dig as deep as you can please in the knowledge that it hopefully will make a difference to others who need life saving treatment and to find that ultimate cure.

 Much love and thanks.  I love you Dad.

Ang

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