Yep, here we go again…

We're running the Great North Run for the umpteenth time — because apparently I (Lisa) still haven’t learnt how to say "no thanks - I don't like running".

I first did it back in 2009, when I thought I was really slow! Then over the years I actually got quite a bit quicker… and now, in a stunning plot twist, I appear to be slower than ever. David first ran it the year after as he had FOMO and wanted to give it a try too (so did my sister but she sensibly only did it once).

We’ve only missed a few over the years since then thanks to the usual little setbacks - back problems, a broken leg, and a few other excuses I’m sticking with - but this year we're both back at it.

For the first time, we'll be running for Transport 17, and we're really proud to be doing it for such a great cause. Read more about the great work T17 does here.

There’ll be no land speed records broken, unless they start measuring “most determined shuffle from Newcastle to South Shields”. But we’ll get there. Slow and steady, faces like thunder, knees making noises they definitely shouldn’t, and of course the obligatory beer from the beer stand at around mile 10 to see us through the last few miles.

You can follow our journey on the Transport 17 Facebook or Instagram pages where you’ll find updates, training attempts, and probably photographic evidence of me (Lisa) wondering why I signed up again.

If you can, please dig deep and donate. Every donation, big or small, really does help and will make a difference to the brilliant work Transport 17 does.

Thank you so much for your support - whether you donate, share the page, cheer us on, or just shout “gan on!” as we shuffle past.

See you at the finish line… eventually (we hope!).

PS if you fancy being a volunteer for Transport 17 we are always looking for drivers/passenger assistants/fundraising volunteers click here to get in touch x

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.