On 8th September I am taking on the Great North Run for Derian House Children's Hospice in Chorley. They provide care and respite for children with life limiting or life shortening conditions. To provide their services to the babies, children and families of the NW of England it costs them over £6m this year - with less than 30% of this provided by any statutory funding.

The Great North Run is something I've always wanted to do and is a 13.1 mile half marathon through Newcastle city centre, over the Tyne bridge and out to South Shields.

My training has started and I would be grateful for any donations people can make to Derian House who are a wonderful charity that do amazing things for so many children and families.