I am running The Great North Run in memory of my daughter Cindy Appleyard and for the charity we set up in her name.

The GNR takes place in Newcastle where Cindy spent the last two months of her life. It will be my first half marathon and my first time back in Newcastle since she died.

The Cindy Appleyard Foundation was set up in memory of our daughter Cindy who died in February 2013 aged 10 months.

She was on the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit waiting for a heart transplant at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle. Cindy was eventually diagnosed with MTP (Mitochondrial Trifunctional Protein) Deficiency. It meant that her heart became unable to function without life support. 

When Cindy became critically ill we had to re-locate immediately to Newcastle 150 miles from their home in Manchester, so we could be close to Cindy all the time. We faced the possibility of being in Newcastle for many months. 

The Cindy Appleyard Foundation has been set up to help support families during these immensely stressful times. We issue small grants which help to alleviate financial hardship faced by families with a sick child in hospital many miles from their home.

I am running with my wing woman, Lucy Lovatt, a brilliant friend and supporter. 

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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 charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.