AN APPLETON woman will soon be pounding the pavements of the north east in a bid to raise as much cash as possible for a charity close to her heart.

Heather Simcock, of Dale Lane, will take part in the Great North Run this weekend in aid of the Children's Liver Disease Foundation.

She was inspired to take the challenge after her cousin, Reuben Collinson, now 15, was diagnosed with liver failure at the age of seven.

Fortunately, a donor liver was found in time for him to have a life saving transplant while the Children's Liver Disease Foundation offered emotional and practical support to the family.

Heather, aged 28, said: "I have seen first hand the brilliant way in which the foundation helps children with liver disease and their families and really wanted to give something back.

"The Great North Run is an ideal opportunity and will be a great personal challenge. I have been training by running three times a week and I hope to complete the 13.1 mile race in around two hours and 15 minutes."

Heather aims to raise £350 in sponsorship to help the charity fund vital research into the life threatening diseases and continue its family support services.

Catherine Arkley, chief executive of the Children's Liver Disease Foundation, said: "Most people don't realise that two children a day are diagnosed in this country - that's greater than the incidents of childhood leukaemia. Many of these diseases are life threatening but all mean a lifetime of care.

"Each year we need to raise more money to fund new research projects, educate more healthcare professionals and support more families and we are extremely grateful to Heather for her support."

If you would like to sponsor Heather, contact Rachel Markham on 0121 212 6012.