I'm running in The Great North Run.

I'm running for Ali, to remember him and to let him know that even though he's not here anymore, he's still inspiring me and others to do something wonderful.

I'm running because it helps me face the loss that I wake up to every morning.

I'm running because when there was nothing else I could do with the grief I felt at losing him, I could....just run.

I run for Cameron and Arthur because it makes me strong. And I want them to see that that despite the sadness I wake up to each day, I want to be here with them and plan for the future with them.

I run because whilst it's true 'there's no gain without any pain', I can say to myself "my boy is giving me the determination to keep going".

When I think of Ali now, I like to imagine he's languishing in a calm sea; he's screaming 'woo hoo' over the waves crashing on Southbourne beach; he’s running with his dog Hettie and he’s the very air we breathe. I know he's whizzing around the cosmos and finally understands everything he ever wanted to know about the stars and beyond.

I'm running because all three of my sons inspire me to love and appreciate life more and more.

And I running for everyone that loved Ali, because it carries me along the way.

I am running in the Great North Run on 12th September 2021.

A BIG thank you to you if you have sponsored me...it really means a lot.

Linda Gillespie

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