Mansfield couple Dave and Joann Plowright are taking part in the Great North Run this month for two charities close to their hearts.

The couple will running in Gateshead on Sunday, 7th September for Erb’s Palsy Group and Diabetes UK.

The charities have helped the family. Their seven-year-old daughter, Hannah, has Erb’s Palsy and their younger daughter, Lucy (3) has Type 1 diabetes.

Dave, who works for radio station Mansfield 103.2, and Joann, from business development and community group Mansfield 2020, have never run a half-marathon before.

Joann said: “Both girls are full of spirit and don’t let anything hold them back. The support we have received from both charities has helped us tremendously when we needed it.

“This is our way of giving something back to them so they can long continue the great work they do and go on to support more families like ours.

Dave said: “It is a family challenge demonstrating to our girls that you can do anything in life when you put your mind to it.

“We hope our efforts will raise money for both charities and raise vital awareness to support the longevity of the charities.”

The couple continuously raise money and awareness for the charities and Dave said: “Even when there is a small opportunity to do something fun with friends and colleagues, we’ll do it. Most recently we raised £40 at my 40th birthday party.”

To support the couple go to their JustGiving pages — www.justgiving.com/Joann-Plowright and www.justgiving.com/Dave-Plowright