In December 2025, I received the life-changing diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease (MND). While this news was devastating, I am determined to transform this challenge into a force for good. On 13 September 2026, I will be taking part in the Great North Run — an event that has been a significant part of my life for decades.

As a proud member of Elswick Harriers, I completed over 20 Great North Runs since 1992. This event has always inspired me to stay active and push my limits. In 2008, I achieved a personal best time of 1:19:51 while raising £1,000 for Children in Need. More recently, in 2024, I ran alongside my wonderful daughter, and two years before that, I crossed the finish line hand-in-hand with my wife, Dawn, as we celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary.

This year is different — Dawn and I will run together again as part of a dedicated team united by one powerful goal: to raise vital funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association. This cause is deeply personal and urgent. MND is relentless and but so is our spirit.

I won’t be breaking any personal records this time; in fact, just finishing will be a victory. But with the support of an outstanding team and generous donors like you, we can make a real difference in the fight against MND.

I am aiming to raise £425 to support research and provide care for those affected by this cruel disease. Please join me on this journey — your support means everything. Together, we can turn hope into action.