Why I said yes to Great North Run for the hospice

I have never been a runner. So when I signed up to do the Great North Run (GNR) I couldn't quite believe why.
Photo Neil Cross
The Fitness Formation Born Heroes team take on the 10k Born Survivor military obstacle course in aid of Lancaster St John's Hospice at Lowther CastlePhoto Neil Cross
The Fitness Formation Born Heroes team take on the 10k Born Survivor military obstacle course in aid of Lancaster St John's Hospice at Lowther Castle
Photo Neil Cross The Fitness Formation Born Heroes team take on the 10k Born Survivor military obstacle course in aid of Lancaster St John's Hospice at Lowther Castle

My parents would often tell me I was the child kicking and screaming their way to sports day at school, the child that would even drop the egg five seconds after the egg and spoon rest started, the child that hated any physical activity and would rather spend her head in C.S Lewis’s imaginations.

There was never much hope for me, the sporting ambition was placed on the other sibling who excelled himself in football.

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However there comes a point in life when you have to put aside the ‘no can do’ attitude. I did exactly this when Lancaster St John’s Hospice approached me.

For the first time this year the Slyne Road Hospice have managed to secure some places in the Great North Run.

This year is extra special for the hospice team as they celebrate their 30th anniversary year.

Since I became a reporter I have never met anyone who did not know about the hospice and the affect it has on so many people’s lives in the area.

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The work they do goes above and beyond and the care my grandad received during his stay at Wirral St John’s Hospice is another reason why I had no hesitation to say yes to GNR.

I, along with a few others in the community, will take part in the 13 mile challenge this September.

It is overwhelming I will be taking part, in what is often reported as, one of the greatest half marathon’s in the world.

The run which starts in Newcastle upon Tyne has attracted the likes of Olympic athlete Mo Farah and sporting enthusiasts from around the world.

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The runners are guided through the city centre towards the River Tyne to cross over the iconic Tyne Bridge.

With the help of Lancaster gym, Fitness Formation, I’m training every week, aiming to reach 13 miles. This isn’t the first time I have fundraised for the hospice.

The Fitness Formation Born Hero team tackled the 10k military obstacle course, Born Survivor at Lowther Castle, raising thousands for the hospice. But this will be different. On September 11 the little girl who was picked last for PE teams will be standing with 57,000 runners, looking up thinking, I can do it, this is for you grandad. Please visit https://stjohnshospice-gnr2016.everydayhero.com/uk/gemma to donate.

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