In 2019, I completed my third Great North Run and, afterwards, I said that it would be my last!

However, that decision changed when one of my closest friends, Dougie, was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) just before Christmas 2022.

The diagnosis was devastating for Dougie, his family and friends, and it is estimated that he has been living with MND for the past two years, with his legs and walking affected.

Friends of Dougie on social media I’m sure will have been inspired by his positive outlook in the wake of his diagnosis and that, along with Kevin Sinfield’s incredible MND fundraising efforts, has encouraged me to run the Great North Run again - this time for the MND Association.

Please donate as little or as much as you can to help find a cure for this awful disease xx