WHILE most would plan on spending their 65th birthday putting their feet up, one grandfather will be strapping on his running shoes in aid of a Worcestershire hospice.

In preparation for taking on the Great North Run on Sunday, September 15, which he will run for the 33rd time, George Nicholson will be running a 25-mile course through Leamington, Cov-entry, Solihull, Redditch, Worcester, Wolverhampton, Walsall and Edgbaston on Saturday, August 10.

Mr Nicholson, from County Durham, was an Olympic torchbearer and has been picked to run in former Spice Girl Mel C’s team in the Newcastle half-marathon accompanied on Saturday’s run by his son-in-law, Julian Hart.

He said: “My aim is to fund-raise for Acorns Children’s Hospice, a wonderful charity which provides vital care in an excellent way. “I have deeply personal reasons for supporting the organisation. Acorns provided wonderful care and support for our granddaughter, Emily Hart, and family a few years ago. It is something we will never forget.”

Acorns provides palliative care to about 640 children in Worcestershire with life-threatening and life-limiting diseases as well as bereaved families and most of the charity’s funding comes from donations.

Acorns’ events manager, Laura Heathfield, said she was delighted Mr Nicholson was taking on the challenge in aid of the charity.

“George’s passion and commitment for supporting the Acorns cause is inspiring and we are very grateful for all he is doing for us,” she said.

“The money raised from his efforts will help us to maintain the level of essential care and support our children and families need.

“Each day of care for one child costs in the region of £750.

If you would like to sponsor Mr Nicholson, visit just-giving.com/My33rdGreatNorthRun/ or text GGNR 81 to 70070.

To find out more about Acorns and the work that it does visit acorns.org.uk.