A BROTHER and sister have raised more than £1,200 for charity after tackling the Great North Run in memory of their gran.

Paul Steels, 33, from Catterick Garrison, and Jo Close, 31, from Leyburn, completed the run in aid of Parkinson's UK.

They decided to take part to mark the tenth anniversary of the death of their gran, Margaret Gaines, of Harmby.

Mrs Close said: “Our Gran, who was known as Peg, suffered from Parkinson's for ten years.

“My brother and I wanted to mark the tenth anniversary of her passing by not only fundraising for Parkinson's UK but also by raising awareness of the excellent work of Parkinson's UK.”

As well as being sponsored to take part in the run, Mrs Close and a friend held a collection in Leyburn town centre which raised £254.

Mrs Close also put collection buckets on the tills at her work, Campbell's supermarket, in Leyburn, which raised a further £387.

“People have been so very supportive and generous and I would just like to say a massive thank you," she added.

“ After many training miles in snow, hail and thunderstorms, the run took 2hrs 8min to complete. The atmosphere was amazing and certainly helped me to get round with a smile on my face.”