This year, Team Hogbens, otherwise known as me and Lindsey – have managed to bag ourselves a couple of places in the Great North Run!

We're both hugely excited to be taking on the challenge, but we're even more excited to be running for such a fantastic local charity, The Rossendale Trust.

Whilst Lindsey and I are the ones doing the running, this is very much a Team Hogbens effort, with our unofficial team coach Jack, and support crew Laura and Drew, no doubt helping to keep us motivated along the way.

Firstly, I should apologise in advance on behalf of Lindsey and me for the inevitable training updates and the steady stream of social media posts featuring us out of breath, sweaty... or, more than likely, both! It's all in the name of a great cause. The quicker we reach our fundraising target of £1,000, the quicker those posts will stop! No promises though...

The Rossendale Trust provides outstanding support to adults with learning disabilities and complex care needs, helping people break down barriers, gain independence and live fulfilling lives within their local communities. Demand for their services continues to grow, and every donation helps them provide more opportunities, improve their facilities and support even more people.

Whether it's £2, £20, or simply sharing this post, every bit of support genuinely makes a difference. Every pound raised helps people with learning disabilities access opportunities that many of us take for granted.

Many of you have kindly supported my fundraising efforts over the years, particularly through the Macclesfield Beer Festival, where we've raised significant amounts for local charities. I'm incredibly grateful for that support and hope you'll get behind Team Hogbens once again as we lace up our running shoes and take on the Great North Run for such a worthwhile cause.

I look forward to keeping everybody fully updated on our training progress, the highs, the lows, and everything in between, as we build up to the Great North Run.

If you're able to donate, we'd be extremely grateful. If not, a share or a few words of encouragement will mean just as much.

Thank you for your support, it really is appreciated.