In September 2018 I will be doing my second Great North Run. I would like to raise money for 'A Bear named Buttony', which is part of the Breakaway foundation. A bear named Buttony make special teddy bears which are for children who have had to undergo major surgery and have needed a bowel or bladder diversion. These teddys have an ostomy bag so that they match the child they are going too. The children can understand their bag better by practising looking afrer it on the teddy, these bears often end up being a childs new best friend because it can be quite an isolating condition. The teddys are also good for showing to their brothers, sisters and friends to help others gain a better understanding. This is a cause very close to my heart as in 2014 I was very poorly and had a serious emergencey operation which has left me with a bag myself. Because of this, I understand how difficult it can be, and I think it is even harder for a young child. The teddy bears cost £30 each, if you buy one you are told which area of the UK it has went. My goal is to collect as much as I can through sponsorship money, I will then round it up to the nearest multiple of £30 so that I can buy a set number of bears. Of course, if you want to buy your own bear for a child you can do that buy going through a bear named buttony facebook page, alternatively if you sponsor me as much or as little as you like I can collect the money together. Hopefully together we can raise enough to buy a couple of bears. Thank you for taking the time to look at my page, I would also like to raise awareness that this is not just a condition which affects the older population, it is children and young people too xx