TV star in marathon run for CAFOD

TV and radio presenter, Dermot O'Leary, hopes to raise money for international aid agency, CAFOD, by participating in the world's biggest half marathon - the Great North Run. Fresh from presenting Big Brother's Little Brother, Dermot will tackle the gruelling 13-mile route from Newcastle to South Shields on Sunday 18 September. While Dermot is no stranger to long-distance running - he successfully completed the London Marathon earlier this year - this is the first time the presenter has participated in the Great North Run. Although his busy work schedule has made training difficult, Dermot is confident he will make it around the course. "I still feel quite fit. I'm sticking on the old shorts and getting out there. Although I'm confident that I'll make it around, I keep hearing that the course is quite hilly - and I'm not convinced that the great Geordie atmosphere that I also hear about will completely balance that out!" Dermot is a committed supporter of CAFOD and he travelled to Sierra Leone with the aid agency last year. He saw at first-hand some of the projects CAFOD supports and spent time with former child soldiers who are trying to rebuild their lives following the country's bloody civil war. He says his memories of that trip will keep him going during the race. "As I'm slogging up the hills I'll be thinking about the great work of CAFOD in Sierra Leone that I saw last year and how the money I raise will help similar projects all around the world. "And when I'm really tired then the thought of a great big juicy steak at the end will also help!" Dermot will join 84 volunteers who are also running for CAFOD, as well as his girlfriend Dee and good friend Gavin. To sponsor Dermot in his half-marathon challenge, log on to www.justgiving.com/dermotsdash