This year will be my fourth year running the Great North Run and the fifth year I've run for Charity. In the past I've been very fortunate not to have to run for a charity for any reason, I've never lost anyone to a particular illness or had a direct family member suffer from an illness.

I was one of those people that fortunately had never really known anyone with Cancer...the C word...the little bugger...whatever you want to call it. That was until last Autumn when we found out my Mum had bowel cancer. It hit us all like a tidal wave. My mum had surgery to have the tumor removed and subsequently moved on to chemotherapy which she is still undergoing now. No words can express how hard that time was and still is really, there is nothing worse than seeing someone you love suffering and feeling powerless to help.

My mum has always been a strong woman as they all are in our family, but the strength, courage and never failing positiveness she has shown through this has been truly remarkable. She is an inspiration.

I decided to run for Rossendale Hospice for two reasons really, firstly they have given ongoing support to my Mum throughout her surgery and treatment, offering help and guidance not just for my Mum, but for my Dad, me and my sisters should we ever need it. Secondly, My Grandma worked tirelessly as a volunteer for Rossendale Hospice when we were younger and it feels fitting that I should try and raise a bit for a smaller charity that rely on donations like this, especially when they have helped my Mum out.

It would be really great if you could donate anything you can to this fantastic charity.

Look after yourselves and tell whoever you love that you love 'em!

Mark x