A MONMOUTH woman is tackling the Great North Run to support research into miscarriages and stillbirths.

Diane Smith, 60, will don her running shoes and take on the 13.1 mile track this September to raise money for the charity Tommy’s which funds medical research into the causes of stillbirths, miscarriages and premature births.

The course starts in Newcastle upon Tyne and takes runners through its city centre to the River Tyne, over the Tyne Bridge, through Gateshead and to South Shields.

The Great North Run has grown in popularity since its launch in 1981 welcoming a massive 57,000 runners in 2014.

Diane, who is a member of the Spirit of Monmouth running group, has only been running regularly for two years.

She is grateful to the ‘new to runners’ course provided by the club which targets beginners and increases their running distances over time.

“The course led to some fundraising runs and 5k runs”, said Diane, “the following April I completed the London Marathon.

“I’ve since taken a teaching course in running and can now coach other runners.”

Diane, who runs four times a year to raise money for charity, picked Tommy’s because it was close to her line of work.

“Tommy’s charity looks into why miscarriages and stillbirths happen”, she said, “I’m a children’s nurse and deal with poorly children regularly.”

Jane Brewin, chief executive of Tommy’s, said: “We are very proud to have Diane on our team for the Great North Run and would like to thank her for all the support she’s given Tommy’s.

“She’s got a great story and we wish her the best of luck for the event.

“She’ll be joining over 300 runners who will be helping our research centres to continue their pioneering work in ensuring more babies have the best chance of being born healthy.”

Diane is encouraging everyone to sign up to the new to running course which starts this September.

“If I can do it, anyone can”, said Diane.

To donate to Diane’s challenge, visit: virginmoneygiving.com/ dianesmith59

For more information about the new to runners course, email Diane: [email protected]