So I have decided to do my 1st Great North Run at the grand old age of 49 years young. I know, makes no sense but that’s me...😂. My daughter Lauren agreed (well sort of) to run with me so thought, bugger it, let’s do this! Might not get another chance. My little lad Charlie is also running the Mini GNR with his cousins Hunter & Larry so it’s gonna be a fun packed weekend.

Didn’t give it much thought before hand but once our places were secured we had to think long & hard about which charity to try to raise money for. There are so many & they’re all more than worthy so it was a tough decision.

Me & my son Charlie have chosen to run in aid of the Charlie & Carter Foundation (CCF) which is a charity set up to provide financial support for the families of seriously ill children that need 24 hour care. If you have time please have a read of the story behind the charity & all the good they do. They have raised unreal amounts of money & have helped a lot of families through the toughest of times. They have their own website & are on the main social media channels.

The Foundation was formally known as the Charlie Cookson Foundation & was set up by his parents Chris & Sarah Cookson in the memory their late son Charlie who sadly passed away in October 2013. The foundation was recently renamed following the heartbreaking story, which many of you will have seen on the local & national news, of Charlie’s little brother, Carter Cookson, & his battle to find a new heart.The search unfortunately did not find the miracle everyone was praying for & he sadly joined his older brother in the heavens above on 19th January 2019.

I work with Charlie & Carter’s Daddy, Chris, at John Lewis. He’s such a lovely lad & I’m truly devastated for him, & his wife Sarah. No parent should have to go through what they have gone through but to have to go through it for a second time must be unbearable.

We feel honoured to be able to run on their behalf & we’re gonna try to raise as much as possible for this wonderful cause. This is where we need your help & if anyone could make a donation, no matter how big or how small, it would be very much appreciated.

Thanks for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page.

Love to you all.

Paul & Charlie.

💙💙💙💙💙💙💙

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