Sandra Alexander, a Home-Start regional consultant for the south east of England, ran the Great North Run on 30th September 2007, successfully raising over £500 for Home-Start.

Home- Start: What made you take up running in the first place?

Sandra: "I started running when I was 42- a friend suggested that I do the Race for Life, now a very well known 5km race raising money for cancer research every year. Shortly after I entered, my friend discovered she had a lump and on the day of the race, she was awaiting the results of a biopsy. Sadly, she did have breast cancer and later that year she had a mastectomy and reconstruction. That was 8 years ago and we have done the Race for Life every year since, my friend also does marathons, she is very fit and, thankfully healthy too! So, she has been an inspiration and running races gives me something to aim for- the Great North Run is a half marathon and the first time I have attempted 13.1 miles."

Home-Start: Why did you choose Home-Start as your nominated charity for the Great North Run?

Sandra: " It is a vibrant charity that brings people and communities together in a very simple way. I think Home-Start's real strength is its ability to increase the self esteem and confidence of not just families, but also of some of the volunteers who go on the preparation course- I've heard many stories from parents and volunteers who say that Home-Start has been a life changing experience. Everyone needs a good friend- someone to talk to- who is reliable, trustworthy and can keep a confidence. Sadly, many families do not have a special person and that's why Home-Start should be available to every family who needs our friendship and support."

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