In 2020 I  had planned to run in the Great North Run (GNR), but because of the Coronavirus, the run has been cancelled. 

Not one to fade away from a challenge, last year I ran 2 events:

1) GNR Solo - 40 solo runs to be completed between 28/06 - 13/09. (It's a challenge set up to celebrate 40 years of the GNR).

2) GNR virtual half marathon on 13th September 2020 

...and succeeded! :-)

So now, to cap things off, I have taken up GNR's offer for this year, so I'll be running in the 2021 race too.

I'm running for a charity whose work is now more important than ever before…

It is very easy to think mental health is a problem for other people, but even before the global pandemic, the rise in mental illness was at epidemic levels - and now, given the effect of the many months of lockdown, it's rising of control. 

That's why I've chosen to run for the mental health charity, MIND.

I also have a very personal reason for supporting this great charity,  Michael, my husband.

Michael has suffered from mental health issues for most of our married lives and the last 10 years there has been many a day when his level of depression/anxiety has made it virtually impossible for him to function.

MIND provides advice and support to help people like Michael who are experiencing a mental health problem. With the support of celebrities like Stephen Fry and as the charity partner for the English Football League, they campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding …something which is so important in these uncertain times.

Most importantly, they won't give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect.

So that is why I support them and hope you too will join me when you sponsor my efforts in September.

I’ll do the running …you just need to give a few pounds.  

Thank you in advance and here’s wishing you and your family good health in the months ahead.