I am taking part in the Great North Run in 2017 for Parkinsons UK which offers friendship, support and opportunities to everyone with Parkinson's, their families and carers. Your donation will go straight to the frontline in the fight against Parkinson's. Go to www.parkinsons.org.uk/content/about-us for more information.

I'm running because I recently lost my grandad who suffered for many years from Parkinson's and have another family member who is currently battling with it. As I have seen them suffer, without complaining, I was struck by how indiscriminate the illness is and how helpless we remain in so many cases. I want to run the Great North Run both to honour their extraordinary bravery in the face of the cruellest of illnesses and to support the vital research into the causes and treatment of Parkinson's made possible by Parkinson's UK.

I've never taken part in a GNR before so I'm a little nervous and hope I do everyone proud. While the training is tough it is such a fantastic opportunity to raise a lot of money for a great cause and I will be inspired by the incredible courage and dignity shown by my family who have suffered.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.