Get fit and hit road for charity on run.

IF YOU'RE eager to get fit this summer taking part in a half-marathon such as the Great North Run is the ideal incentive.

If you didn't manage to get a place this year, don't despair, as there are many places still left for runners who are willing to raise money - usually at least pounds 300.

Even if you did get a place, you can still pick a charity to support.

This year it's more important than ever to support charities by taking part in the BUPA Great North Run on September 20, as many people are suffering from the effects of the economic downturn.

They all offer support with training, a running vest and often refreshments and a massage afterwards in the charity marquees.

The Stroke Association is one such charity.

Every year an estimated 150,000 people in the UK suffer a stroke.

Of all people who suffer from a stroke, about a third are likely to die within the first 10 days, about a third are likely to make a recovery within one month and about a third are likely to be left disabled and needing rehabilitation.

A stroke has a greater disability impact than any other medical condition. A quarter of a million people are living with long-term disability as a result of stroke in the UK.

The Stroke Association funds research into prevention, treatment and better methods of rehabilitation, and helps stroke patients and their families directly through its rehabilitation and support services.

For more information call [phone].

Small national charity Leukaemia CARE is still appealing to help it fill its 100 remaining BUPA Great North Run places as this year in September the charity celebrates its 40th anniversary.

Two runners in the charity's "Team Bertie" are Jenny While and her dad Phillip Wilkinson.

Jenny and Philip are running together for the first time to support the charity which has become close to their hearts.

Jenny said: "It was while my cousin was only 10 that he was diagnosed with leukaemia and our family was first touched by the disease.

"He's now in his thirties but tragically my uncle, his father, died from leukaemia only two years ago.

My aunt said Leukaemia CARE was the only charity that was there for her.

"That made our minds up." So far in 2009 the charity has made or received over 200 calls to patients and their families in the North East alone and provides care and support to patients, their families and carers affected by a blood or lymphatic cancer through its CARE Line on 0800 169 6680.

Application forms are available by contacting the Fundraising Line 0845 521 3456 or by emailing [e-mail].

The Great North Run team for Diabetes UK has continued to grow in size and popularity year in year out.

Starting 16 weeks before the run individuals are supported through every step of their training programme on a weekly basis and there are different programmes for novice, intermediate and advanced runners.

There is also help on hand to assist with fundraising.

Each team member gets a running vest, goodie bag of training gear and exclusive promotional items.

Friends, family and other supporters are offered an unrivalled bird's eye view of the run from on top of the Diabetes UK cheer bus on the Tyne Bridge and are equally welcome at the finish area.

For those runners that need additional or specialist support Diabetes UK has teamed up with UpandRunning who can offer guidance from level four running coaches, gait analysis and a whole raft of top training tips.

Diabetes UK runners also receive exclusive offers and discounts such as 15% off technical running shoes at the Fenwick's store Newcastle. On completion of the run all runners are treated to a selection of refreshments, recovery drinks and snacks whilst receiving a professional sports massage.

Diabetes UK is still looking for more runners. Simply visit www.diabetes.org.uk/GNR to download an application form or call 01325 488606 if you have your own place..