UPDATE:  Photo now on the Christie's website    First photo on the fourth row.

Number nine in the bag!

Another gloriously sunny but hot day on Sunday, yet despite last minute nerves and a rush from the portaloos to get into our start zones, we set off for what was to be a very good run. It took around 14 minutes to reach the start line but finally we were away. We then ran a bit more than the distance in a constant battle to find what little shade there was on the course and to get round the slower runners.

Running at different paces, Sean got back in a recorded time of 1h 56m 44s, whilst Louise was just under ten minutes behind with a personal best time of 2h 6m 37s. She was delighted! We then recovered with a cuppa at the Christie's tent before watching the stunning display by the Red Arrows over the coast at South Shields. BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY, you all helped us to raise loads of money to help others so THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

As always it was a very emotional day running with so many supporting so many charities, with all the spectators urging everyone on.  But it's you, our sponsors, that made it so worthwhile. Thank you all very much.  Sean & Louise x

Hi Everyone!

Thank you for visiting our fundraising page.  We can’t quite believe it, but 2009 is going to be our 9th Great North Run and 7th time we’ve chosen to raise money for Christie's.

For those of you who don't know, the GNR is the world's largest 13.1 mile (21km) half marathon with around 50,000 entrants.  It’s way up in Newcastle upon Tyne, it’s a little hilly in places, and Newcastle to South Shields is still quite a long way to run for a couple of ‘non runners’ like ourselves.  Take a look at the course or the time-lapsed video if you don’t believe us and see what lies ahead!

So why do it?  Because we still can (just about!), and by completing this challenge, we can raise money which will help provide the research, facilities and treatment that others need to face their own personal challenges.  Every two minutes someone else is diagnosed with cancer in the UK.*  That’s more than 1 in 3 people.  So most of us in the North West probably know someone who has at some time been treated or cared for at The Christie.  Together our efforts can go a long way towards paying for projects that could dramatically improve treatment for their patients and take us all closer to a future without cancer.

Even older age than last year and increasing aches and pains won't be making this year's race any easier, so please help us make this challenge as worthwhile as possible by sponsoring us.  We have sponsorship forms or sponsor us online.  Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. All donations are sent electronically to Christie’s and if you’re a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax can be reclaimed and added to your gift at no cost to you.  So please tick the ‘Gift Aid’ box and save another 28p per £1 from the tax man!

Please help us make a difference to others.  Any donation will be gratefully received.  It all helps.  Thank you for your support.

Sean and Louise x

PS: Look out for us on the BBC on Sunday (Live at 9.30am on BBC1 and Highlights at 5pm on BBC2).

*Source: Cancer Research UK website