On Sunday 20th September I took part in the Great North Run and am pleased to say I knocked 10 minutes off my personal best time completing it in 1hour52 mins (and a few seconds but we'll gloss over those!).

However, I've been very disorganised and not managed to get round to raising any sponsor money, and while I know this isn't the conventional way of going about this, would still like to take the opportunity of raising a bit of cash for a very good cause that means a lot to me - the Jane Tomlinson appeal. It was started by Jane in the final years of her life before she lost her fight with terminal cancer. The cash goes to cancer and children's charities.

During my time working as a journalist in Yorkshire I feel lucky to have interviewed Jane and her family on many occasions about her various fundraising challenges. She truly was an inspiring woman and it was after seeing the many runs and bike rides she did that I started running.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Jane's Appeal gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation. So please sponsor me now!