The AJ Bell Great North Run is the world’s biggest and best half marathon (21.1km / 13.1 miles), with 60,000 runners taking on the route from Newcastle to South Shields each year. It’s famous for its inclusive atmosphere, unbeatable route-side entertainment and warm Geordie welcome, not to mention the millions of pounds raised each year for worthy causes.

I used to hate running at school and thought that I'd never make a runner (I may still not!) but having beaten multiple 100km walks I needed a new challenge. At the time of writing this paragraph I can't even run 5Km in one go but hey, I've got 12 months to train, right?!

It's a cliche but the donations really do motivate me - getting up at the crack of dawn to beat the heat and run a silly distance isn't the easiest of things to do and knowing that I'll let people down if I don't really helps to kick me out of bed!

Whatever you're able to donate I know each one of the chairities will use it wisely - from sending a terminal ill person and their family on a memorable day out, supporting those with Bowel Cancer and researching/funding treatments to supporting a young widow get through the hardest days of their lives. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

If you're interested I'm writing a blog - https://edwalks.co.uk but note that I'm a bit rubbish at updating it!