Great North Run 2007

'Pushing for funds'

Pledge your donation to ypg@me-ne.fslife.co.uk

As many of you will know over the past two years I have been ME North East’s support team manager for the Great North Run. Organising the goodie bags for our runners, helping Sheila with the pasta party, co-ordinating our team of volunteers on the day to stand at different mile points to cheer on our 55 runners, and finally congratulating our runners at the end on such an achievement! I get a huge buzz from helping to organise the day and it is so emotional to see our runners cross the line knowing they have generated
a much greater awareness of the charity and illness and also raised a huge amount for ME North East.

However I am sure so many of you will also understand the frustrations I have of not being able to take part and run the event myself. Having previously taken part in the run before I took ill and having always been so active and sporty it is tough at times to handle. So this year with the support of Sheila and Nicky my sister I am going to be pushed around
the 13 miles in my wheelchair.

Compromising has never been a strong point for me since being ill but I have to agree that this is an excellent solution! I am extremely excited to be taking part and instead of watching my family and friends cross the finish line I will be doing that with them.

You know us, never wanting to go unnoticed we will be wearing our normal bright orange t-shirts but this year accessorising with orange wigs! Watch out for us on the TV and please if you could ask family and friends to sponsor us that would be fantastic. I will tell you all about my journey in the next edition of ME&U!

Joanna

What was I possibly thinking of – my surgeon advises me against running ever again, so do I decide to take it easy… Oh no, I offer to push Joanna in a wheelchair for 15 miles. Yes, it may be 13 for some lucky people(?!), but wheelchairs are at the back – so we get an extra 2 miles to do!!!!

Mind you, I have warned Joanna that if she “acts” herself, she may find she goes down the big hill at the 12 mile point quicker than she imagined!!!
Seriously guys, this will be a huge achievement for Joanna so please give us your support……

Sheila