THE sister of Countryfile presenter Adam Henson is to compete in the Great North Run in aid of a charity set up by a member of her family.

Louise Henson is taking part in the race on September 18 in aid of Useful Vision, a charity launched by her sister Rebecca and her husband Nick Wilson, after their late son Ben went blind following brain cancer treatment in 2005.

Since the charity was set up six years ago, it has supported more than 200 families in the North East offering a whole range of support and life skills to children and their families.

Louise, who is taking part in the race with her son Jack and Adam’s wife Charlotte, is looking forward to the atmosphere on what will be a very poignant day.

She said: “I know it will be quite emotional. A lot of people will be running for friends or relatives they have lost. It will give me huge motivation.”

The mother of two, who lives just outside Moreton, has already taken part in the London Marathon this year but is still training hard for the 13-mile race.

“Our inspiration is Ben himself. He was the most extraordinary person and adapted to his blindness so well. We all adored my little nephew, who will be with us all the way round.

“Jack and I are trying to raise as much money as possible.

We’re a quarter of the way to our £2,000 target.”

Adam, who is patron of the charity, will be cheering from the sidelines with the rest of the family. For more information or to donate, visit justgiving.

com/jack-bridges.