My Uncle Mick was a keen runner and fundraiser, running 19 marathons and 46 half marathons, raising thousands of pounds for numerous charities. It was always an ambition of his to run a marathon in his hometown, Sunderland. Unfortunately he lost his life to a brain tumour in November 2012 after an 18 month battle with the disease. I thought it would be fitting to run this year’s Marathon of the North in his memory.

I will be raising money for Cancer Research UK and I would be grateful for any donations, no matter how small.