20 years ago, as the rather embarrassing picture shows, I completed the Great North Run with my best school friend, Alison. Suffice to say we didn’t really run as such, apart from when we saw the official camera. We had a toilet break in Asda and were beaten by the oldest lady (she was about 87!) in the race. But we did it! 

In September 2017 I finally decided to do something about my post children fitness lack and I joined Swaledale Shufflers Couch to 5k group. I surprised myself when I realised, after very gradual build up, that I could run 5k. Through it I met a great group of running girls with whom I run now and there might just be a little bit of socialising involved too! We are all doing the GNR this year though. I have no intention of running the full 13 miles, unless a small miracle happens, but I will make sure I complete it, enjoy it and most importantly, raise a decent sum of money for a very good cause. 

Bowel cancer is something that’s seemingly rife in my family. My grandfather didn’t win his battle sadly, my aunty Megs has just made it to five years - hurrah, go Megs, and my superman dad has just finished treatment following his bowel cancer diagnosis at the start of 2018. Now it just needs to do one forever more. And thinking of my dear friend, Natalia, who recently lost her dad to this. 

Anything you are able to donate will be so greatly appreciated. I’ll keep you updated on my training programme...it’s involved a lot of food so far, carb loading of course!