Raises £15,000

So many months of planning, organising and training for…… a run. But this run was no ordinary run. No, this run was the worlds largest half marathon – the Great North Run - and my first ever (some heard me say on the day, my last as well!). Two years ago, I sat in Front of the TV watching the run and thinking, “do you know what- this is a great way to raise money and awareness for a charity – I’m gonna do it”. Much to everyone's amazement, mine included, I started the training, negotiated the places and a dream was born.After a minor hiccup – broken ankle – the dream continued and this year we had 75 people all running in bright orange t shirts/vests (and orange hair and nails!) for ME North East.

And so the day finally came……
After an early start – keen to get there…not! – many of us travelled to the start of the run together. There was a great spirit our team, but also a little nervous tension. For me, I just wanted to soak up the atmosphere and admire everyone who was running for a Charity and what that must mean to them. We all stood in a circle, holding hand as “Abide with me” was played, thinking of all of you back home and why we were doing what we were doing – there were tears before we had even started running!

After what seemed like ages, it finally came to our turn to cross the start line – we were off! I will not lie… it was not an easy run!! It was very hot and humid, I lost my water early on and not long after that, my running partner. However, it was lovely to see so many of our runners out there and people introducing themselves when they saw the same t shirts. I just wanted to get to “ME North East Corner” at the 12 mile stage to see my mum and all my friends. At about the half way stage, I met my new running partner – Joanna’s “Aunty Anne”. It was great to have someone to talk to – we certainly put the world to right on those last few miles!!! Some say, the last mile seems like the longest – not to me, I just wanted to get over that line and have a huge glass of chilled white wine!

And, so I did eventually cross the line – not as fast as I had imagined, but I had done it – my first ever half marathon. I felt really sorry, for the BUPA man on the finishing line though – as he said “well done”, I just burst into tears – sheer relief I think!!
So, I will do it again next year and the training has already started (does it ever stop?!) – it is a huge way for us to raise awareness and funds for such deserving people like yourselves. After all, its just a “FUN RUN”…

Sheila (Young People's Development Support Worker)