<p><strong>UPDATE (18/09/11):</strong> Thanks to everyone who sponsored me (so far!) - I did the Great North Run today in 2 hours 57mins. :) If you want to sponsor me you still can!</p> <p>-----</p> <p>At the end of last year I decided that I wanted to enter the ballot for the Great North Run. In February I found out that I was successful and I have a place for the run this year. This is a pretty big deal for me, mainly because I've never been a good runner and never enjoyed running one bit. You're probably wondering why on Earth I've decided to put myself through this..</p> <p>Firstly it's a motivator to get me doing more exercise and it's to help me make an effort to learn to run properly. I walk a lot but rarely run!<br>&nbsp;And secondly, because I want to raise money for the UK Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) Charity. The reason for me choosing this charity is because there's a family history of PKD on my mum's side. It's a disease that is genetic and it also currently isn't curable, though there are things which people can do to help slow its progression. When the kidneys fail the only options are dialysis or a transplant. There is ongoing research into PKD but there needs to be more and the best way to ensure this happens is to provide more funding.</p> <p>So please sponsor me!</p> <p>Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving &ndash; they&rsquo;ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they&rsquo;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&rsquo;s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.</p>