|  | | |  Amy Weston
Release Date: 1st September 2005
A BERKSHIRE engineer, whose 10-month-old niece has leukaemia, is taking on the 25th BUPA Great North Run on Sunday 18th September 2005 for Leukaemia Research.
Paul Weston, 41, from Thatcham has enjoyed competing in the BUPA Great North Run for the last five years, raising money for numerous different charities. This year, he has chosen Leukaemia Research for a very personal reason. His 10-month-old niece, Amy, was diagnosed with leukaemia in March.
"When I heard the news that Amy had leukaemia, I was gobsmacked. I had only seen her a few weeks back and she looked healthy," says Paul.
Amy has a rare and chronic form of childhood leukaemia - juvenile myelomonocytic leukaemia (JMML). JMML is a type of leukaemia most common in children under four years of age and the cause of which is still unknown.
Amy’s mum and dad, Sarah and Colin Weston, have been spreading the word about Paul’s run in the bid to raise as much as they can.
"Every pound I raise counts towards helping Leukaemia Research in the battle against blood cancers. My employers, Vodafone, have agreed to support me in my challenge, so I'm hoping to raise at least £1,000," he adds.
Last year when Paul took on the 13-mile event in Newcastle he narrowly failed to reach his target time of 1hr 45m and so has been training extra hard to make sure he achieves it this year.
"I always try my best to hit my target time, but this year I will try that little bit harder for Amy. She has been so brave through her treatment so I really want to do this for her," says Paul.
"Amy is doing well at the moment and has been receiving treatment at Alder Hays Children’s Hospital. Despite the punishing treatment she has gained weight and doctors are pleased with her progress. Amy is due to have a bone marrow transplant in early 2006," he adds.
Paul’s family and friends will be cheering him on as he runs past some of the north-east's most famous landmarks. He will be in good company, running alongside celebrities from television programmes such as Emmerdale, The Bill and Doctors.
To sponsor Paul in his bid to raise at least £1,000 for charity, please log on to Paul's justgiving.com website
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