A MAN is tackling the Great North Run in aid of a charity his wife worked for.

Kevin Ferguson’s wife Lorraine spent 20 years with the children’s charity Barnardo’s.

The 50-year-old, a workforce analyst at Durham University, will run the world’s biggest half-marathon to raise money for the cause.

Mr Ferguson, of Whickham, Gateshead, said: “There’s no personal adversity I’ve had to overcome. I’m simply blessed that I have my health to continue doing something I love – running.

“What I wanted to do this year was raise money for a thoroughly worthwhile charity – Barnardo’s. My wife, Lorraine, has worked for them for 20 years and I felt it was well over due for me to help them in a small way.

“In my 50th year I have set myself a personal target to run faster than when I first completed the Great North Run in 1983.”

This year’s Great North Run takes place on Sunday, September 13.

To sponsor Mr Ferguson, visit justgiving.com/the-ferg