AUTHOR Terry Deary is limbering up for his 18th Great North Run and says that this year’s means more than ever.

The 68-year-old granddad from Burnhope, County Durham, is running the half marathon on Sunday (September 7) in aid of Grace House Children’s Hospice.

Mr Deary, who is most famous for his Horrible Histories children’s book series but also writes fiction for adults, said: “I’ve supported Grace House from the start when it was just a dream.

“Though it is the third time I’ve ran for them it is the first time I’ve made a concerted effort to raise funds and am doing so throughout the year.

“It’s getting longer- it used to take 1hr 50 but now it takes 2hrs 25 so must be and a poll at the eight to ten mile mark showed everyone agrees the hill is getting steeper.

“But I have the easy bit, running 13 miles is nothing compared to what Grace House parents do every day, I’m no hero they are the real heroes.”

The hospice has already been built in Sunderland but more money is needed to ensure that once it opens it can continue to care for youngsters from across the region with life-shortening conditions for which there is no known cure.

Mr Deary has teamed up with Best Western Whitworth Hall Hotel, near Spennymoor, County Durham, to support the charity.

He signed books at the hotel’s fun day last month, which raised £3641.35, and the hotel has sponsored his running vests- of which three will be prizes in a charity draw or auction.

A series of other fundraising activities are planned and Mr Deary will donate event fees earned this year to the charity.

Sophie Cook, sales and events coordinator at Whitworth Hall Hotel, said: “Grace House is an inspirational place and Terry Deary stepped up to help us support it.”