Some of you may know, others probably dont, but in my spare time i look after a boys brigade company (www.boys-brigade.org.uk) in Lanchester - mostly lads from ages 8 to 18 and over the years i've made some brilliant friends and hopefully i'll stay in touch with them throughout their lives.  We aim to have a positive impact but now and again it works in reverse and some of the lads make an impression on me and i learn from them.  Henry Dancer is one of those lads ! brilliant sense of humour, high level of IQ and and all round fantastic guy ! 

It therefore hit us all when at the end of 2009 he was diagnosed with bone cancer (osteosarcoma) and has since undergone several operations and a lengthy treatment process.  His mum has kept all of the groups Henry was connected with up to date on his progress and treatment and constantly his attitude, manners and sense of humour are an absolute inspiration to me. 

Thats the reason i have decided to run the Great North Run for the Bone Cancer Research Trust - i want Henry to know how great he is and although i might be cursing all the way round the 13 miles - its nothing compared to whats hes been through.  I also want to help fund research into the illness so that if a cure is out there it can be found that bit sooner.

I know theres lots of charities who need money to survive but i hope that my friends, family, contacts and clients can find a few quid to support this charity and more importantly Henry.  Thanks for reading this and visiting and i'll do my best to get round the 13 miles in a reasonable time !