There are a few things you might like to know, sort of a FAQ:

1. Why are you raising money for BCH?

Joe, my eldest who is now 21 (1st in politics from Hull, very proud, etc etc) was born with an issue called oesophageal atresia which requires life saving surgery. He was treated at BCH and his mum and I were well supported. I raise money so they can fix other kids and support other parents too. Of course, all three of my kids have also been in to A&E with the usual scrapes and knocks. (That's Joe in the photo above)

2. How fast can you run?

Great North is a half-marathon, 13.1 miles. I'm aiming to run half-as-fast as Eliud Kipchoge's marathon record — 1:59:40. That is to say, Kipchoge completed his record marathon in 1:59:40 and I hope to complete the half-marathon in the same time or faster. For a 47 year old who's only been running a couple of years, sub-2 hours is a taxing target. I've been training and I hurt.

3. Your physical pain is not enough… What else?

OK, ok, I hear you. For every pound you donate I'll match you (up to the target of £1,000). That's right, you get to take a pound out of my pocket too. With gift aid as well that means every pound you stump up gets BCH a donation of around £2.40!