A MOTHER and son team will be embarking on the Great North Run this weekend. Gilly and Charlie Martin, of West Hill Road, Foxton, are running on behalf of the Association of Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (ASBAH). Charlie decided to take part in the half

A MOTHER and son team will be embarking on the Great North Run this weekend.

Gilly and Charlie Martin, of West Hill Road, Foxton, are running on behalf of the Association of Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (ASBAH).

Charlie decided to take part in the half marathon after illness left him bed-ridden for 18 months.

He said: "I promised myself that when I got better I would run a half marathon. The thought of being able to do this became very therapeutic for me.

"The ASBAH have also been, over the years, very supportive to us as a family. Having this goal in mind has really helped me during my recovery."

The pair have been training hard in preparation for the run, which takes place this Sunday in Gateshead.

Spina Bifida, which means "split spine", affects the bones in the back. They do not close round the spinal cord, meaning nerves can bulge out and become damaged.

The ASBAH provides support for people with the disease, and for those with Hydrocephalus, a condition which causes extra fluid to flow around the brain.

To sponsor Charlie and Gilly, visit their webpage, www.justgiving.com/charlie-martin. The a competition to guess the duo's finishing time is also being run at the White Horse pub, Foxton, with a prize of �25 on offer to the person who picks the correct time. This costs �1 to enter, with profits also going to ASBAH.