Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Having run for 17 years on and off and inspired by the amazing achievements of others, I decided it was about time I challenged myself! Running is something I love, but with long term cartilage issues in my knees I have always known a full marathon is beyond me!

I have not raised money for charity like this before, but was inspired by my Mum to run for Arthritis Research. I am not allowed to say much (on her instruction), but Mum was struck down suddenly with arthritis when I was 7 years old. I still remember the day it happened and having to learn how to spell arthritis (and how Mum used to tell me off for saying 'artheritus'!) It is hard at a young age to understand why your Mum can't do things that friend's Mums can, but Mum being stubborn has managed so much.

Technology and medicine has come so far, joint replacements are much more common now and sound very clever! But there are many people of all ages living with arthritis in their lives, it will mean a lot to me to help raise awareness and also essential funds to help all those now and in the future.

Well that's my story, thank you for reading and I look forward so much to the day of the Great North, I am very luck to be running (or starting!) with my great friends Amanda Patten and Sian Wright.

*update 11.08.14 - it's the final countdown! 4 weeks left of training, have managed 12 miles on a Sunday, whew that was tough! But my race number has arrived and it's time to work on my speed a little, get these feet moving faster!!! Plus time to hit the healthy eating plan!

Sarah :-D