On New Years Eve 2012,  I decided I'd never really challenged myself and wanted to change that in 2013 so promptly signed myself up to something that at the time seemed impossible, the Great North Run. For someone who has never ever ran outdoors (the most was 5 minutes on the treadmill before giving up) the past 8 months have been a real struggle! My patient friends, family and boyfriend have watched me drag myself off the couch after work to hit the pavements and go through the highs of lows of learning to run further than round the corner for the very first time.

It's all not in vain, I am doing the run to raise money for a fantastic cause, St Cuthbert's Hospice who support thousands of individuals and families across County Durham who are dealing with life limiting illnesses. The hospice has to raise a whopping £1.2million each year just to keep their free of charge services going, and although I may only be able to add a small amount to that massive figure, every little counts. So please, dig deep people, any amount is greatly appreciated!