Hi, I’m Lee.

In 1974, Brendan Foster won the BBC Sports Personality of the year award. I was 8 yrs old and was quite taken by someone being awarded a prize for running fast. I mean, running? I could  win prizes for doing something that I did pretty much everyday? – I read books about dinosaurs too but I didn’t see a prize on TV for that!

There and then I decided to dedicate my life to the pursuit of one goal: To be the best runner in the world. Ever. Yes, I will become a household name!  

For sure, it’ll take some time – I was willing to commit – so, I planned that by the time I was 10 (ok, maybe 11 at a push) I too will be up there to collect my ‘Sports Personality’ award.

Sometimes, though,  it’s all about luck and being in the right place at the right time.

In 1976, when I was 10, the award went to the Ice-Skater John Curry.

In 1977 I'd reached 11, but the award went to Virginia Wade – who was not only a tennis player, but a girl! * sigh * Well, this just steeled my resolve further….i WILL become the greatest long distance runner in the world. Ever.

Ok, so I guess not many of you have heard of me. I doubt any of you were there to witness my Athletic peak – “Baler Primary Little Athletics Runner-up Under-11s boy” in 1977. Oh the glory days!

As I now reach my grey-haired  years , at 41, I realize that a strict diet of Curry, lager, wine & chips perhaps wasn’t, in fact, going to fuel my world beating potential – but I’m back! Back for one more shot at that personal goal! One more chance at that award…maybe, just maybe! ….The 2008, Bupa Great North Run!

With Brendan Foster – my inspiration – helping with the organization of the worlds’ biggest half marathon, surely it’s a sign??

Humour aside, however, the Great North Run provides Traidcraft with a massive platform to communicate their message: “Fighting poverty through Trade”

We’ve all seen the TV pictures and, as I sit here writing this on my new PC, surrounded by the privilege and luxurious paraphernalia that we so take for granted in the modern world, I feel humbled and honoured to be able to do my part to help others incredibly less fortunate than the bulk of us can ever comprehend.

Check out the work of Traidcraft at www.traidcraft.co.uk , see what you think

It’ll be a long hard path to that start line in October, but hey, I hope that for some people, my efforts WILL see me worthy of that title: “The worlds’ greatest runner” – even if it is just in my own head