Yes, you heard right - I am doing the Great North Run this year. I'm probably one of the most un-sportiest people in Newcastle but thought I should set myself the challenge of completing it and maybe actually running some of it instead of walking...

Most importantly it's the chance to raise money for a great cause. My dad (a GNR veteran by the way!) and I are running in aid of the Susan Channon Breast Cancer Trust, a North East charity that my dad works closely with via his best friend Nigel who's wife Sue died of the illness. Sue Channon, a young mother and laboratory scientist at the RVI Newcastle, was just 36 when she died of breast cancer following a three-year battle with the disease.

The Susan Channon Breast Cancer Trust was set up in her name by husband, Nigel, with the aim of enabling health professionals in the North East to access the most up to date and cutting edge technologies in the research and treatment of breast cancer. Please donate what you can and encourage me to complete my first ever long distance run!

This year's race is on 15th September - wish me luck!

Charlotte xxx