Hi everyone! 

I'm Ruth, also known as Miss Alsop, a primary school teacher from County Durham. I will be running the Great North Run in September inspired by a very brave boy whom I had the pleasure of teaching last year. 

I am running to raise funds and awareness for the Children's Liver Disease Foundation, the only UK charity dedicated to fighting all childhood liver disease. They support children with a wide range of conditions, including those with Alagille Syndrome.

A message from Edward's Mum:

"Edward is 10 years old. My son suffers from liver disease brought on by a long term health condition he has called Alagille Syndrome, people with Alagille Syndrome have fewer bile ducts than normal. This is known as bile duct paucity. Bile ducts carry bile from the liver to the gall bladder and small intestine. When there are fewer ducts to carry the bile, the bile can get trapped in the liver and cause damage. Edward suffers from many other complex health problems but he’s a trooper and just keeps on going, I am honoured that Edward’s teacher has chose to run the great north run to raise money for this fantastic charity inspired by my amazingly brave little soldier."

Those of you that know me know that I am not a natural runner. I like to think that what I lack in athletic prowess, I make up for in spirit! Hopefully, that will carry me through the 13.1 miles! For any locals visiting the page, if you see me out running laps of the village, feel free to give me a little wave!

* I'm looking to create a motivational playlist for the run! I would love for any donations to come with a suggested song to keep me going! *