A daughter from Wigan is gearing up to take part in this year's Great North Run in aid of the Christie charity, where her mum has been a patient for 13 years.

Joanne Hewson, 32, who has two children, and lives in Billinge, is running in support of her mum Gaynor Donougher, 61, from Dalton. Gaynor was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1997 and has undergone radiotherapy, chemotherapy and continues to be a patient at the leading cancer centre.

Joanne said; "The training is pretty gruelling and I'm not a runner so I'm out of my comfort zone, but this is something I wanted to do for my mum and to raise money for a cause that is very close to her heart. "

"Since her diagnosis mum has bravely endured years of treatment.  Yet she is still smiling and there for us all and it goes without saying that she is an inspiration. The Great North Run is 13 miles, so I will be running one mile for each of the last 13 years.

"I wanted to raise money for The Christie, as they have always been there as a constant support to mum over the years. Without the help and assistance of all the wonderful staff there, mum would never have made it as far as she has."

Joanne's dad Phil raised £10,000 for the Christie charity by riding his motorbike to the Arctic circle in 2004.  Her aunt was also treated at The Christie for breast cancer in 1991 and 2000.

She added; "My mum's cancer is evasive, so although we have been lucky so far and managed to keep it at bay, they will not be able to totally cure it. This is why I want to give something back to the people who help her and make her proud because I'm immensely proud of her.

Despite struggling with injuries, Joanne recently completed the City of Manchester 10k as part of her training. Joanne has set herself a fundraising target of £2,000. To sponsor her, please visit www.justgiving.com/Joanne-Hewson.

The Great North Run is the world's most popular half marathon, with participants running between Newcastle upon Tyne and South Shields.

Sporting events officer at the Christie charity, Emma Tilley, said; "We're thrilled that Joanne is taking part in this run for us and will be cheering her on the whole way.  As her mum has been a patient at The Christie, she will know full well how much of a difference money raised through events like this make.  We're extremely thankful for her support."

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