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On Sunday the 18th September I will run the Great North Run in Newcastle upon Tyne and here's why:

In days gone by I would take my daughter Gráinne to a local running track where she would put in a few extra laps training to help her running at school.  While she ran the track I walked it.  Then one day watching I thought, that doesn't look hard so I tried a lap and thought I was going to collapse :(  Each time I went there I would run a lap and time myself and I thought I was wonderful.

Then a colleague asked for people to run a leg of the Belfast marathon to help her to raise money for charity - Una you have a lot to answer for! I thought I could walk the shortest leg but that was already booked so I had to run at least 4.8 miles and she told me I would run.  And so I started.  And I got the bug and I'm still at it.

So why the Great Noth Run?  I have always watched this race on the telly and I have always been in awe because it inculdes the great the good and the daft - all the great athletes and the fun runners together.  And you know by watching that the atmosphere is great and I always wanted to be there.

This year there is expected to be in the region of 54,000 runners in the 31st year of the race.  It is the most iconic half marathon on the planet - who wouldn't want to be part of it?

In fulfilling my own ambition to run this race I have joined with Foyle Hospice to help raise vital funds for the very special work they do.  And here is where I need your help, yes please please please donate and give generously.  Remember to run a half marathon takes a lot of training and dedication so I need support and encouragement too!  I finished the Waterside half marathon last year in 2hrs 3min and 56seconds.  If I can come in under this time I will be thrilled to bits :)

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 Foyle Hospice and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.