My Mother has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease.

Dementia is now Britiain's biggest killer, overtaking heart disease for the first time. The fact that there are currently no treatments to slow or stop the diseases behind dementia brings into sharp focus the scale of the challenge and the urgency with which we must tackle it.

That's why I have applied to represent the "Alzheimer's Society - United Against Dementia" in the Great North Run. Where I hope to raise money from sponsorship to help the charity support and improve care to patients and fund research in the UK to fight the disease globally.

My days of "winging it" and running the dew pond run off the bat are over. 16 years at sea tramping steel decks and ladders has took its toll on my knees, the snake hips are shot from dry docks, and my time as a welterweight seems along time ago and Ive turned heavyweight. ..

BUT......!

Its for a good cause, close to all our hearts, so over the next month I'll get off the pies and beer and get into the training programme......

5 months and counting,...

Please give what you can and sponsor me for charity.

Graeme