On 11 September 2016 I will run my 17th Great North Run to raise awareness of the PSP Association in memory of my dad, John (Dr. Sean) Fahey.

I lost my dad, a former GP, to the rare brain disease in 2010 and I now volunteer as a trustee for the charity.

You may wonder why it would be an achievement when I've already run the race 16 times before.  But this is the first year that the PSP Association has charity places.  I have been the champion of the campaign to get places in the race and I REALLY want it to be a success.  

The Great North Run and the PSP Association both have special places in my heart.  I believe they could be a great partnership.  And that's why I am asking for your help.

Progressive Supranucelar Palsy (PSP) can rob people of the ability to walk, talk, see and swallow and there is no treatment or cure.  The day my dad was no longer able to eat and drink was a day that broke my heart.  It was clear he was in "God's waiting room" (his words).  Thankfully, he didn't have to wait long.  He passed away 6 months later.  Many people live with PSP for much longer, agony for them and their families.  

PSPA is the only charity in the UK supporting people living with PSP, their families and carers.  We are an extremely small charity and we need as much help and funding as possible.

The Great North Run is a perfect event to support the charity.  It is a people event much more than a sporting event, full of stories of people remembering loved ones and supporting friends and family.

Every year they play Abide with Me while we’re waiting for the start in tribute to all of those who people are running for.

I will be thinking of my dad with tears in my eyes as I listen to that.

Please help me and the charity to raise awareness and funds.

And please help us secure future places in the Great North Run, the most famous half marathon in the world.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through 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. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.