A Tyneside mother-of-two is getting ready to don her running shoes and take on the Great North Run in honour of a Tayside charity that helped care for her terminally-ill mother-in-law.
Hannah Tait, 39, is bracing herself for the half marathon after being inspired by the Tayside MS Therapy Centre, a charity run for and by multiple sclerosis sufferers.
The amateur runner said she felt the need to “give something back” after the charity was there for her husband’s mum Judy, who was from Dundee and suffered from MS before developing terminal cancer.
“Everyone at the charity was amazing,” Hannah said. “They helped Stephen’s mum Judy so much and I felt the need to give something back.
“When Stephen’s mum eventually developed cancer and was in a hospice, her friends from the centre would come and speak with and bring her food. They all helped so much.”
Hannah was due to take part in the run in both 2012 and 2013 but fell pregnant in the build-up to both events.
Now, with 19-month-old and three-month-old children, Hannah is determined to finally complete the race in memory of Judy.
“I’m not a natural-born runner but I will make it round,” she said. “I’m determined to do that.
“I’m a little apprehensive but I will do this and get it completed before I reach 40 in September. I’m excited more than anything else.”
Hannah’s husband Stephen said: “What she’s doing makes me very proud. But as well as running in memory of my mum, others will benefit as well.”
Anyone looking to donate to Hannah’s fundraising run can do so at www.justgiving.com/HannahTaitGNR.