A MUM is taking part in the Great North Run to support the hospice which cared for her terminally ill baby son.

Anna McQuaid is tackling the world-famous half marathon, on September 7, to raise funds for Martin House.

Little Niall died at the Boston Spa hospice, aged just seven weeks.

Mrs McQuaid, 45, aims to raise about £500.

She is following in the running footsteps of her husband Liam, of Raffles jewellers in Keighley, who has completed the Great North event twice as part of a series of fundraising efforts he has staged over several years in aid of Martin House.

Together the activities have so far coined-in more than £21,000.

Mr McQuaid is further supporting the children's hospice by donating two items for a charity auction – an amethyst and diamond pendant on lace set in silver, with lilac enamel, which retails at £225, and a Chamila bracelet worth £260.

The auction takes place as part of an event for Martin House at Yorkshire Cricket Club, Headingley, on September 24, in which guests are invited to enjoy afternoon tea with Downton Abbey's 'Mr Carson', actor Jim Carter.

Mr McQuaid said: "Anna – who is a member of the Friends of Martin House Otley – has always wanted to do the Great North Run, but until now has never felt confident enough.

"She started training about six months ago and it's going well. She is looking forward to the run.

"We'll be going up to support her on the day."

To sponsor Mrs McQuaid, visit justgiving.com/Anna-McQuaid.

Call 0843 504 3099 for further information and tickets for the September 24 event, or e-mail jane.ferguson@yorkshireccc.com.