I've decided to drag myself around the Great North Run.  Those of you that know me will know what a challenge this is going to be.  Not so long ago, running for 90 seconds was hard work and completing a half-marathon was just something that crazy people did.  However, since my mum died I've been trying to get myself into shape, I've lost over 5 stone (70 pounds US or 150kg) and I can now run for an hour - however at the speed I run I still have a long way to go before I can get from Newcastle to South Shields on foot and in the hours of daylight.

To give me some extra motivation, I would really appreciate it if you would be so kind as to donate some money to the Stroke Association as a way to guilt me into training that bit more and make sure I can't not make it round the course.

Thanks for your help.  I'll be sure to post back when I get round the course and let you know how I did.