Inspiration came from watching last year’s race on the television and the hope that if I tried to enter and didn’t achieve it then at least I had tried! Anyway it was soon confirmed I was in so had to start the training which was hard work out in all weathers and takes time when you run as fast as I do!

My Mum knew of the Sally's Children Trust through Betty and living in Redhill. David very kindly tracked me down a Sally's Children T-Shirt, which Mum brought up with her for me to wear.

There were so many people we filled a mile of motorway at the start and even then crammed in close together! The atmosphere is quite something along with the nerves and heading through Newcastle there were underpasses ringing to the continual Oggie, Oggie Oy chant…deafening!! The numerous bands along the route were great and very invigorating, characters were out in force… one guy running with a bucket full of Newcastle Brown Ale to keep him going.

The route just never seems to be on the flat there is always a gentle gradient (most seem up!!) to the next roundabout or bridge and with a sea of heads to follow you can see it’s uphill quite easily (unfortunately all the people do not hide it!!) Struggling on I was tapped on the back by Graham as they had spotted my T-shirt but the last thing I expected amongst so many big charities on the day was to come across others running for this cause! I was delighted to have a quick chat with Trish and hear her complain about the slopes as well!

Eventually having watched the red arrows running towards South Shields you finally see the sea but then the longest mile is the flattest one along the seafront…even with all the crowds of tremendous support!! Unfortunately there are just so many people trying to use the Metro that my supporters were even slower getting to the finish than I was!

I hope to collect over £850 and would like to thank all those who have supported me!