In July 1997, just before her first birthday, my younger daughter was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. Like most people I'd never heard of neuroblastoma, but we learned a lot over the next few weeks and months as she was treated with chemotherapy and surgery. Her treatment was effective and she turned 13 a few weeks ago, but the majority of the 100 or so children who are diagnosed every year in the UK are not so fortunate - more children die of neuroblastoma than any other form of cancer.

I've been a member of the Neuroblastoma Society for a few years now, latterly as a Trustee. We raise funds for research into the causes and treatment of this disease, aiming to ensure a happier outcome for more children and their families. In our biannual grant awards last year we were able to fund 5 research projects costing almost £700,000, a great effort for a charity which depends entirely on volunteers. The Society is the biggest single funder of research in this field in the UK and a lot of this work just wouldn't happen without it.

We will be inviting researchers to submit proposals again soon and I decided that this year I should do something to raise the money as well as spend it. I'd be delighted if you can help me by pledging whatever you can as sponsorship for this year's Great North Run.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the Neuroblastoma Society and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.