As many of you know for the last two years I have organised the charity's support team at the end of the Great North Run watching many courageous/mad friends and family members complete the half marathon for ME North East.

In recent years I have been so proud, grateful and very frustrated that it's not me crossing the finish line so this year I took part not as a runner but in a wheelchair pushed by Sheila, my little sister Nicky, her partner Graham and two friends from Sheila’s gym. Previous to me suffering from ME I was extremely sporty and actually took part in the Great North Run 7 years ago so I knew just what I had been missing out on.

After a number of practice runs out and about in Chester le Street, Sheila and I were well acquainted with the difficulties of maneuvering a wheelchair up and down curbs and hills – at speed! On the actual day it was no surprise I didn't beat Paula Radcliffe however I did come in thirty eight thousandth one hundred and forty third - which isn't too bad.

I had the most amazing day, it had been a huge compromise from me to take part in my wheelchair but I was so incredibly overwhelmed by the support and encouragement not only from the runners but also from the spectators. The crowds were just incredible, handing out ice pops, energy bars, sweets and so much more. Nicky and I refused a woman's generous contribution of sausage rolls and sticks of carrot from young children! I adored the fact that for the first time in six years I was taking part in such a sporting event and loving it.

My team did extremely well....Caroline and Tracey wore sumo suits getting us so much publicity. Before we even started we were interviewed by the Evening Chronicle, Sheila lying about her age!! Nicky, Graham and Sheila did an amazing job of pushing and making the crowds contribute to our collection buckets - raising just over £100 on the day which was fantastic. At mile 7 we were live on the TV with Look North for an interview with the main presenter and then again live on BBC Radio Newcastle at the end. I think the sumo suits and orange wigs really paid off - Nicky even accessorising them by adding a black bow!

I cannot thank all those individuals enough for their texts and calls of support and very kind donations, it made a huge difference. I have more than achieved my fundraising target of £250 and along with gift aid and other cash donations totalled £350, so a huge thank you. I have still yet to find out which one of you sent the message that ran along the bottom of the screen when the race was shown live on TV - who ever you are thank you - my aunty and grandpa spotted it and rang dad straight away.

Joanna

ME North East send congratualtions to all participants and a huge thank you to everyone who sponsored their runners. The event is turning into a huge fundraising event and we hope this year to raise around £10,000.