On the 18th September I will run 13.1 miles in a strange land up north they call Newcastle, for the Bupa Great North Run!

That is a gruelling 21k for us who live in the metric world. My feet might suffer from blood blisters, my muscles will ache, my will power will definitely be tested, percy pigs I hope will give me the energy to carry on but I will happily cross the finish line knowing I will have raised funds to provide extra support to Neonatal Units through Ickle Pickles.

Ickle Pickles are the smallest and sickest babies who need intensive care in Neonatal Units – Whether born too soon or with an illness the NHS cares for over 20,000 ickle pickles every year. With NHS budgets being continually squeezed there is a real and tangible need for public donation and support for neonatal care.

The Ickle Pickle Partnership turns gifts and donations from generous people into specialised equipment such as incubators and ventilators to help Neonatal units provide incredible levels of care for Ickle Pickles.

I have volunteered for Ickle Pickles and can tell you their work and dedication is truely wonderful! So please dig deep and donate now.