Hi! I’m Steve Allinson (40) and I live with my wife Debbie, in Rochdale, Lancashire. I took on the Great Manchester Run last month. You may have heard about this year’s event - Haile Gebrselassie (Ethiopia) shattered the United Kingdom all-comers 10-kilometre record by 14 seconds, covering the distance in 27 minutes 25 seconds. Of course, some of us just made it to the half-way mark in that time but it was a day to remember for sure.

It is nowhere near as big an occasion as the Great North Run, and at 10km, nor is it as far. But this gave me an opportunity to do my bit for ME North East, raising a total of £250 for them with a further £150 for my wife’s charity. It was my sister Pauline who suggested I ran for ME North East, they having been very supportive of her family, and particularly her daughter Emma. It was only right for me to do my bit in return and I was delighted to run for you.

This running thing all started last September whilst I was saving up for a bike. I wanted to get in shape to be able ride it. After my first ‘jog’ I realised just how unfit I really was so kept going out for a mile here and a couple of miles there. Next thing….it’s Christmas and I’m running five miles. The rest, as they say, is history. I got my bike, ran the 10km (in 46 minutes and 46 seconds) and am now training for a half marathon….only another 450 training miles to go! I wish every success to those of you (or your family or friends) who may be taking part in this year’s Great North Run. Of course, I wish every success to ME North East but most of all, send my best wishes to those of you who use their services.

A very big thanks to everyone for sponsoring me, you helped raise £250.00 for ME North East

Steve Allinson