Hi!

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page.  Please dig deep and sponsor me online.

I'm taking part in the 2009 Great North Run to raise money for a very deserving cause - COCO (Comrades of Children Overseas).  It's not the best known charity around, but the work it does is as valuable as any other and it really makes a big difference to the lives of kids, who through no fault of their own, are affected by poverty, famine, war, illness and disease.  COCO specialises in delivering projects in specific areas that can make a really big difference - this is the second year that I have chosen to support the charity in the Great North Run.

So, I've dusted off/washed the running kit and am getting ready for what I think will be my 16th trot from Newcastle to South Shields.  If I can raise some money that might help children who can only dream of the comforts that my two young sons enjoy, then that's got to be worth the hard work.

With your help, I can set off on the morning of 20th September, knowing that when I complete the half marathon ahead of me, I will have achieved a little bit more than just run the course for my own benefit (and 'I did it...again' ego).  COCO funds essential projects worldwide that have a lasting impact on the lives of children in desperate need of help. 

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: COCO will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

So please sponsor me now.  And I'm up for an extra incentive or two.  My time for the run has slowed over the years, but I am sure that I could still break the 1hr 30mins barrier (something I haven't achieved for about four years) if I knew that extra donations were on their way.  Use the comments section if you want to focus my mind on a time target with the promise of a bigger donation.

Many thanks for your support.

Chris Lines.