Back in the Great North Run again, this time for the Leukaemia Research Fund in memory of my niece who lost her fight against Leukaemia less than a month before the GNR last year.

My sister’s participation in that race, so soon after losing her daughter, was stunning. And she stopped and sympathised with me as I hobbled along the last three miles with an injured knee, before sprinting off into the distance. She can’t do it this year for much happier medical reasons.

Anyway, there is no minimum fundraising target for the LRF, so don’t feel obliged to donate a large amount… but don’t expect me to talk to you again if I don’t see your name on the list in twelve weeks time…