It's that time of year again...

I wasn't going to raise money for charity and just do the Great North Run for the 'fun' of it, but a coule of things changed my mind.

No.1: I will be doing 2 half marathons in 3 weeks - the Bristol Half on 6th September, and the Great North Run on 20th September - double the pain is worth some sort of recognition!

No.2: Most importantly, vey sadly, Jim Blance was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer and passed away in July. About fifteen years ago, every Saturday Jim would referee kickabouts and umpire cricket matches for a heck of a lot of lads on top of the Sele in Hexham. Great times for all involved (I'm sure even John and Ben Blance, who were given tougher treatment than the rest of us as I recall, enjoyed it too!).

John Blance told me Tynedale Community Hospice were a great help to Jim after the diagnosis and thoroughout his illness. I thought it would be good to see if I could raise some money for them as a thanks to Jim for giving up his Satuday afternoons al those years ago for a bunch of brats from St.Joseph's and Hexham Middle.

I'm sure Jim would be very grateful.

Many thanks

Robin