Many of you are aware my wife is Head of Charitable Services at Age UK Northumberland. I have watched first hand the hard work and dedication of the team at Age UK and their commitment to ensuring the older people of Northumberland live their best lives.

This year I celebrate a milestone birthday and I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate than running this iconic race, in the city that I call home, and supporting an organisation that I passionately feel is needed more than ever. 

Most of us have felt very lonely and alone at some point in our lives. Its a profoundly personal and painful experience and people can feel completely hopeless. Luckily for many, life moves on and these feelings pass. But for some of us loneliness can become chronic, making us miserable and often causing us to lose self-confidence. Especially in older people. 

Alone we can make a difference. Together we can make a change. 

Thank you for supporting me support this fantastic charity.

Ian