**Update: Well, we did it and survived to tell the tale!!!  My time was 2hr 35min 04 seconds, which I am really pleased with as I had set a target of 3 hrs.  Feeling very tired now and full of aches and pains but it was well worth it to make my mum so proud.  So, a huge thank you to everyone for their donations and support - it really does mean so much**

I would also like to thank the following people who donated offline: Angela Taberner, Jean & Derek Bowden, Andy Hewson, Mark Blackledge, Neil Caunce, Pam & Alan Afford, Di & Bill Ennis, Dave Gaskell, Val & Dave Edwards, Rachel Roue & Mike Green - Thank you all very much!

On a cold January evening, over a nice bottle of wine, my friend Joanne persuaded me and her sister Michelle to take part in the Great North Run.  Full of bravado (and wine), we made a pact that we would do it, all having our own reasons for wanting to take part.

My reason is this: 1 in 3 of us are now affected by Cancer, be it a loved one or friend.  In my case, my mum, Gay Donougher, was diagnosed with Breast Cancer 13 years ago.  Since then, she has bravely endured years of treatment.  Yet she is still smiling and there for us all, and it goes without saying that she is an inspiration and her story is quite amazing.

The Great North Run is 13 miles, so I will be running 1 mile for each of the last 13 years.

I wanted to raise money for The Christie, as they have always been there as a constant support to mum over the years.  I have only been to the hospital a few times but I can tell you, it is a humbling experience.

My Aunty Pam (Mum's sister) was also treated at The Christie for breast cancer in 1991 and 2000.  But I'm pleased to say that she has now been clear for 10 years.

After picking up a few injuries and spending most of the time limping about, there have been times when I have wondered if I can do this but then on the 4th July 2010, I completed the City of Manchester 10k as part of my training and thought 'Yes, I can do this'!!

I'm doing it for you mum, we all love you and are immensly proud of you, so now I want to  make you proud and raise money for a cause that I know is close to your heart and that of so many other people.

Thank you for visiting my just giving page and taking the time to read my story.  Please dig deep and help me to raise as much money as possible and make a very special lady very proud.

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 and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Thank you xx