Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page for the Great North Run 2013.  I've only done the Great North once before - in 1983.  So when I hit the start line in September, it'll be THIRTY YEARS since the last time.  Even so, if you know me personally, you'll have seen that I've lost a huge amount of weight, and am probably as fit now as I was in '83.  Maybe even a bit more ...

My time in 1983 was 2 hours 44m 14s but I'm aiming to finish this year's event in under two hours.  How about if I manage to do that, you up your donation by 10% - that would be a real incentive for me to do the very best I can.

If you're doing the NHS Couch to 5K plan, you'll know that's where I picked up this running lark in early 2012.  From an obese lump of lard to fit in 9 weeks was a great thing to do.  To be running a half marathon again is quite another challenge - but I'm going to do it!

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure.They’ll never sell your details or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’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’s the most efficient way to donate.

So please dig deep and donate now.  And come back from time to time to see how my preparations are progressing.