A woman who has no movement below her neck is to complete the course of the Great North Run - in her wheelchair.

The 52-year-old mother of two, struck down by motor neurone disease four years ago, is to take on the challenge of the half marathon.

Diane Kendall of Highgate Road, Clayton Heights, is to be pushed the 13 mile course of the Great North Run, between Gateshead and Newcastle.

Giving the shoving power will be Sharon Armitage, Manorlands hospice day hospice manager, and Lorraine Webster, of the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) in Bradford.

Diane aims to raise cash for the hospice, where she has been using the day centre for almost ten months, and the MNDA.

She has already raised £6,500 for the home by composing an appeal letter seeking donations for the hospice at Oxenhope.

Now she hopes to swell the coffers even more by getting sponsorship for the event on September 26.

Diane has no mobility below her head and is cared for by her husband, Trevor, 53.

She said: "I want to pay back Manorlands as much as I can for all the help I have been given.

"I sometimes get down days, but I want to fight this as much as I can and not let it get the better of me.

"It may have got the better of my body, but not my mind."

She has been out training with Sharon and Lorraine along the Leeds-Liverpool canal between Saltaire and Bingley.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge and I hope people will feel generous enough to sponsor me," she added.

Sharon said: "Diane truly is an inspiration."

Anyone wanting to sponsor Diane can e-mail her on dianemkendall@hotmail.com or call (01274) 815850.

l Motor Neurone Disease affects the nerve cells which control muscles, and leads to wasting and weakness of muscles. It does not affect touch, taste, sight, smell and hearing.

Research is being undertaken but as yet there is no treatment to slow down or stop the progress of the disease

The national helpline is 08457 626262.