Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page to support The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, which was established by Sir Bobby to find more effective ways to detect and treat cancer.

As many of you will know, my amazing partner Craig has been in Intensive Care since October 2013 as a result of a very rare illness called Paraneoplastic Neurological Disorder, caused by cancer.

Craig seemed fit and healthy in May last year when we moved into our new home in Whitley Bay with his beautiful daughter Ayesha, who was 12 at the time. Later that month Craig began to suffer from lethargy, weight loss, severe visual disturbance, balance problems and headaches which led to him spending weeks in hospital and being treated for inflammation in his brain. Time back at home passed with limited progress before he had a rapid deterioration in October and was readmitted to hospital. He lost the ability to move most of his body, as well as the power to swallow and speak, and went on to a ventilator. At this point we found out that Craig had PND caused by cancer. The diagnosis had been difficult as it is such a rare condition, with only 38 known cases of other people who have also had the antibody Craig has in his blood which led to identification of the PND.

We're so proud of Craig for the incredible physical and mental strength he has shown to get through 4 cycles of chemotherapy which thankfully destroyed the cancer in his body. He has recently started some new medication which we hope will help him to go on to breathe independently again and regain his mobility, with support from intensive rehabilitation and physio when he is ready.

I had no idea something like this could happen because of cancer. Craig went from being very active- working full time, running a few times a week and spending time with me, my stepdaughter Ayesha and family and friends here and in Scotland where he is from- to being confined to Intensive Care for months on end. He is a brilliant, loving, inspiring partner and he means the world to me. Craig is really pleased I'm doing this and wishes he could do it alongside me. I'm doing my first Great North Run for him, for those I know who have survived cancer and in memory of those loved by me, my friends and family who we have sadly lost to this horrible disease.

As I'm fitting training in around going to work and visiting Craig in hospital I don't expect to do the Great North Run very quickly! However any donation you can make to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, no matter how small, will be really appreciated. You can read more about the fantastic work of the Foundation on their website http://sirbobbyrobsonfoundation.org.uk/

Your sponsorship will also help me to stay motivated and focused in the hope that together we might stop other people from having to go through such a devastating experience. Thanks in advance for your support!

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.