A North-East  journalist will take part in five runs in five months to raise money for the Stroke Association.

Chris Cordner, head of features at the Hartlepool Mail, kicks off his challenge with the ten kilometre Sunderland City race this weekend.

He will follow this with the Tees Pride five-kilometre race in Middlesbrough on Sunday 13 May before upping the distance again for the Great North 10k run in Gateshead on Sunday 22 July.

His final two challenges will be in September when he tackles the Tees Pride 10k in Middlesbrough on Sunday 2 September, and the 13-mile Great North Run on Sunday 16 September.

Said Chris: “It’s a tough ask but I love jogging and it adds to the enjoyment when you raise money for a worthy cause.

“The Stroke Association is a charity which is close to my heart as I lost two people close to me to strokes.

“The more attention we can bring to the awareness of how to tackle a stroke, the more lives we may save.”

To support Chris in his fundraising drive, make a donation by visiting www.justgiving.com/Chris-Cordner2