The Great North Run is something I have wanted to do (ideally run) for a long time. It is the greatest half marathon in the world and will be a huge personal challenge (and one I would have thought harder about had I been getting more sleep at the time and/or known how hilly it is...). 

But more importantly it is a great fundraising challenge and I am delighted to be able to support Samaritans. It is a very special charity which provides confidential and non-judgmental support that can be truly life-saving. I have a close connection to Samaritans and would like to do a little to help. 

I know that we all have lots of very good causes tugging at our hard-earned cash so I can only hope that the thought of me slogging round Tyneside might encourage you to part with just a little of it. It really will help drag me round. And unlike when I did the coast-to-coast cycle I gather that you can't wuss out and get a train through the middle bit....