Not having run much through last autumn and winter for various reasons (holidays, icy weather, bad cold, etc) I rashly thought it would be a good idea to enter the Great North Run....and then I unexpectedly received the notification that I was in on the Ballot!! Although I have done three marathons and many half marathons they were all many years ago and I am a lot older now. Good to have something to aim for I thought. Training has been hard but I finally feel I am getting there.

It is some time since I have asked for sponsorship but feel that my running efforts could perhaps benefit a good cause as well as being 'good' for me and have once again chosen to support WellChild. I have supported WellChild since my first London Marathon in 2007 in thanks for the expert medical treatment received by may daughter Helen when she was a child. If you feel able to give a donation both I and WellChild will be very grateful.

WellChild Childrens Nurses provide essential care and practical support to children and young people requiring long-term or complex care. They play a crucial role in enabling children to leave hospital and be cared for at home, reducing the practical, emotional and financial impact for families.

WellChild is also committed to funding high quality, innovative projects designed to have a positive impact for seriously ill children both now and in the future. This includes WellChilds Helping Hands programme which continues to go from strength to strength, working with volunteers from companies and organisations across the country to tackle essential projects in the homes of children with serious illness. Those volunteers provide the manpower and enthusiasm for projects such as bedroom and garden makeovers.