I am running the Great North Run on Sunday 19th September for Martin House Children's Hospice in Boston Spa, Yorkshire.

Egged on by mass enthusiasm whilst on a 2inspire leadership course, I agreed to do this a year ago and now am wondering what on earth possessed me to want to run 13.1 miles!

This will be my first half marathon since I returned to running last year. My training has involved a lot of support from friends (all over the country) and the sweatshop running group, which has eased the pain, and made it more fun! (Well sort of!)

I just hope I make it on Sunday and I raise a decent amount for the hospice! So please dig deep and donate, it will really spur me on to know I am doing it for such a good cause.

Martin House Hospice was Yorkshire's first hospice for children and young people. This year it is caring for 300 children with a life limiting terminal illness, and their families. To provide the best care costs the hospice £4million per year and it relies on donations to do this.

Thank you very much for your generosity.

Rachel