Hi everyone!

For the second year in a row I'll be running the Great North Run, which is a half marathon (13.1 miles) from the A167 outside Newcastle, over the Tyne Bridge, past Gateshead Stadium on the A184, over the A19 interchange and towards the coast line at South Shields. It's a hilly course, with the highest elevation reaching over 60 metres above sea level!

Last year I didn't run for a charity, but for the 2009 event I have chosen to represent Marie Curie Cancer Care and shall be sporting the fruity yellow colours of the Daffodil Team! I hope to raise at least £300 for the charity, which although fairly modest, will provide some much needed support for those suffering from cancer or a terminal illness.

I understand that at this time of year people get swamped with requests for sponsorships from all kinds of people and it's not always possible to help, but if you can donate anything, even £1 then that'd be truly fantastic of you and you'll have done an amazing  thing.

You can sponsor me online at http://www.justgiving.com/cheekyb - or if not you can just give me a message of encouragement or a kick up the arse in the comment box!

Thanks very much

Martin / Cheeky / Barra