I will be running the Great North Run (All 13.1 miles!) in order to raise money and awareness for Motor Neurone Disease.

For those of you who don't know; Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is a fatal, rapidly progressive disease that attacks the motor neurones, or nerves, that control movement. People can still think and feel, but their muscles refuse to work. It leaves sufferers locked in a failing body, unable to move, walk, talk and eventually breathe.

There are 5,000 people living with MND, in the UK at any one time and around half of those diagnosed die within 14 months.

On 21st January 2008, aged just 36, Motor Neurone Disease took my uncle, Stephen Kirton. I will be taking part in the Great North Run with my Sister, Rachael Smith (Stephen's Niece) and my cousin, Ryan Kirton(Stephen's Son).

The Motor Neurone Disease Association is currently the ONLY charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland that funds and promotes global research into the disease and provides support for people affected by MND. They rely almost entirely on voluntary donations.