FIGHTING fit Suzanne Carr is running the Great Northern Run -- from Newcastle to South Shields -- to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Relief.

This is the second time that Suzanne, 39, of Low Bank, Burnley, has tackled the half marathon.

She is hoping to raise more than last year's total of £550, and has a very special reason for running the race. She said: "My father died of cancer eight years ago and the Macmillan Nurses were excellent. They are fantastic people, and are very close to my heart."

More than 700 competitors will line up for the race in Newcastle on September 16.

She is hoping that sponsorship from family, friends and her work colleagues at Clover Brook, Gannow Lane will help her raise more money for Macmillan.

Suzanne has been preparing for this year's run by running the banks of the Leeds Liverpool Canal with her training partner, Irish Setter, Blue.

"I run along the towpaths close to where I work all the way to Hapton."

Suzanne has already run three ten kilometre races in Blackpool, Liverpool and Walton-le-Dale this year.

All money raised will go towards helping Macmillan fund specialist nurses, doctors, buildings for cancer care, grants for patients in financial difficulties and vital information services.

Suzanne is hoping to knock ten minutes of last year's time of two hours and 25 minutes.

"This is the second time I have run the Great North Run and I am really looking forward to completing the challenge.

"It is hard work training to get fit enough to run the 13 miles, but Macmillan's work is very important in raising awareness and much needed support for those living with cancer."

Anyone interested in sponsoring Suzanne can contact her on 01282 712017.