I started running back in November 2015 to help me beat the cravings as I gave up smoking! (which I did).  But it has become so much more than that, as you may know I have continued to run along side  Alex who is my friend,  partner in crime and  running buddy.  We both started on a journey that has taken us both by surprise,  along the way, we have laughed, cried and both learnt and made up a few new swear words.  We are both stubborn enough, and maybe a little bit competitive that we have completed all our challenge's so far, but mostly we support each other through the miles.

So I am super excited to be able to take part in such a prestigious race as The Great North Run.  Why Mind? This is a very personal choice, which pounding the streets of Newcastle for 13.1 miles it has to be.

We are still so scared of mental health issues, although most of us at some stage in our lives will suffer.  I want to raise as much money as possible but also awareness, I want  people to be able to admit when they are struggling, the truth is, we all do sometimes

Whether it be anxiety and depression, post natal depression, bi-polar, I have seen first hand how Mind has helped  people regain control over their lives and find ways of getting through each day. Let's start by understanding each other a little bit better.

So that's why I am asking you to please dig deep and help in anyway you can big or small, your money can help pave the way for everyones mental health.  Thank you in advance, and for my part, I promise to train hard and do my very best in Newcastle!!