I entered the Great North Run to try and raise some money for a worthwhile charity that can make a real difference. I was also starting to get fat after Christmas! 

Despite international efforts to control tuberculosis (TB),  over 8 million people develop the disease each year and it kills an estimated 2 million.   London has the highest rate of TB in the country.

Completing TB treatment is difficult because patients need to take medication for at least six months. Some patients who are socially deprived can struggle to complete this long and difficult course of treatment due to personal and social circumstances.

The TB incentive fund at St Mary's hospital, Imperial College Healthcare in London, is used to help people take their vital medicines for a disease that is totally curable but people can still die from. Many people who suffer from tuberculosis in the UK are amongst the poorest and forgotten-about in society and often suffer from problems like no access to welfare support, alcoholism and drug addiction. 

The fund can be used to help each individual patient with their greatest need. This may be anything from a bus fare, to a meal, to bedding. For people who are unwell and need to stay in hospital, this money can help relieve the difficulties of being isolated for prolonged periods of time. All of these things help people stay on their TB treatment and support them through the difficult times. 

The most important message is that this is an opportunity for you to give directly to the people who need the most help and make a real difference to people's lives who suffer from TB.

Any donation, however large or small, would be extremely helpful and would make a genuine difference. 

Plus it will help incentivise me to run as fast as I can in the Great North Run!