Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I am running - or more accurately probably running / walking! - the Great North Run for Maggie's Newcastle. 

I was inspired to participate by watching one young man who I knew through my work at Maggie's Newcastle complete it last year whilst suffering extreme pain and ill-health - and with one leg amputated - due to bone cancer. He is no longer with us, having gone from previously being a fit, healthy young man, to dying about three months after the Great North Run last year. His story touched me especially deeply as he was a similar age to my own children. 

This young man did the GNR last year for Maggie's Newcastle as he felt he and his family benefited so much from the centre. Working as a psychologist at Maggie's I come into contact with a lot of very vulnerable people. I have decided to do a small amount to contribute to the continued running of the centre to help us keep on being able to help people 'to not lose the joy of living in the fear of dying'. 

I haven't run a race since Primary 7 at school, the memories of humiliation I experienced related to sports at school being the main reason for this, so it has taken a great deal for me to challenge myself to do the GNR. Pushing past deeply ingrained beliefs of being useless that have been with me for most of my 54 years has not been easy! 

Thank you for taking the time to read this and I do hope you will consider donating even a small amount for what I believe to be a great cause.