This will be my seventh Great North Run, although this year I had zero intentions of running. I have had numerous injuries and am starting to struggle with the longer distances.

That said, when the opportunity arose to run on behalf of the Chloe and Liam Forever Foundation I jumped at the chance.

For so many reason it was an easy decision that I wanted to help out this great campaign; I was at a massive venue in the capital the day before the atrocities that happened in Manchester occurred, I am very into music and going to live gigs, I have a special place in my heart for Manchester after going there umpteen times over the years, I, like many others, were touched by the heartbreaking story of a young couple who were so happy together being tragically and pointlessly murdered, and finally we are a close-knit bunch in South Shields. I wouldn't say I knew Chloe or Liam but I did encounter them both personally through work and socially, but I do know people who did know them well and have heard many stories about them as individuals and as a couple.

Every single bombing is senseless, irrespective of the country or event but to target innocent individuals coming out of a music arena is mind-boggling and so tragic. With that, I want to support this foundation as best that I can.

I am going to run the 13.1 miles for Chloe and Liam but also for Saffie Rose Roussos, Courtney Boyle, Philip Tron, Elaine McIver, Wendy Fawell, Eilidh MacLeod, Michelle Kiss, Sorrell Leczkowski, Olivia Campbell-Hardy, Martyn Hett, Nell Jones, Alison Howe, Lisa Lees, Jane Tweddle, Angelika Klis, Marcin Klis, Kelly Brewster, John Atkinson, Georgina Callander, and Megan Hurley, as well as every other person who was both physically and mentally affected by this atrocity.

Anything you can spare will be greatly appreciated and if you can spread the word about this fundraising and, more importantly, the charity in general that would be amazing.

Massive thank you for all of your help!

Chris.