Now, anybody who knows me, will know that I am not a runner. Not even close. Give me a 15-minute dance routine while blowing on my trumpet any day. Running? Not so much. But the Great North Run is something which I've always wanted to do. My gran used to do it every year, and I always wanted to be able to run beside her and complete the full 13-mile course. But there never seemed to be a cause that I was passionate enough about to get off my bum, be brave, and run for.

Until now.

On the 22nd May 2017 Chloe Rutherford, 17, and Liam Curry, 19, a young couple who were totally in love, were murdered side by side in the atrocity of the Manchester bombing, at the Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena.

Chloe's and Liam's families have set up the Chloe and Liam Together Forever Trust as a way in which to honour their kids. By offering financial support to young people to help them succeed in the areas which Chloe and Liam loved most, the Trust hopes to inspire other youngsters to follow their dreams and achieve their goals. Support is offered in the form of bursaries, to help with the education of young people who have a keen interest in the areas of 'Music and Performing Arts', and 'Sport', and to afford such things as auditions, exams, coaching qualifications, travel expenses to name but a few, which applicants wouldn't otherwise be able to afford themselves. The Trust's goal is to, one day, pay a full-time teacher to supply the teaching of singing lessons and musical instrument tuition, at a subsided cost for all of its pupils, in the North East.

And that is my cause. Chloe was a private singing pupil of mine for a lot of years, and both hers and Liam's families are now like family of my own, having spent two weeks with them in Manchester following the attack, offering support to them at that horrific time, and ever since. My heart and soul belongs to the Chloe and Liam Together Forever Trust, and any amount that I can raise for them will be gratefully received. Every single penny of the money raised will go towards the youth of today and the stars of tomorrow. If you can give anything at all as a donation or a sponsorship, it would mean the world, and I've no doubt will help push me on even further., especially on GNR day. On the day, I'll be helping to push Chloe's mam, Lisa, in her wheelchair so that she can be a part of the incredible event, too!

So, apparently, I'm a runner now. On Friday 8th June 2018, I bought my first ever pair of proper running shoes. On Monday 18th June 2018, I started my official 12-week training plan. Wish me luck, and please follow my progress! It's sure to provide you with some amusement along the way.

Not gonna lie, gang. I’m canny terrified of the Run (understatement!), but I know they’ll be with me every step of the way.

#TogetherForever 💗💙

Thank you,

S xxx