A HAIRDRESSER is getting ready for the biggest run of her life this weekend when she takes part in the world's biggest half marathon, the BUPA Great North Run.

Dawn Massey will swap scissors and curlers for tracksuit and trainers on Sunday when she embarks on the gruelling 13.1mile run from Newcastle to South Shields along with 49,000 other runners.

The 32-year-old, who runs 'Colour and Curl' hair salon in Manchester Road at Blackmoor was inspired to train for the half marathon after her dad John had a life saving operation last year at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

Since then mum Dawn has been determined to run in the event and raise as much money as possible for the ENT Ward.

She has been training hard and customers have rallied around -- pledging nearly £2,000 in sponsorship money. She can't wait for the big day -- and hopes to complete the course in three hours.

Dawn said: "My dad John had a laryngectomy operation on New Year's Eve last year and doctors at the Royal Bolton Hospital saved his life. It was an absolutely awful time for me, so I thought it would be a great idea to raise some money for Mr O'Keefe and his ENT team.

"I'm really nervous because I'm running by myself and I've never done anything like this before. My husband Kevin has been helping me train with my son Harvey.

"I thought I would only raise a few hundred pounds but my regular customers have been fantastic. People have been giving me £20 and £50 notes, which is unbelievable. My dad has given me a few hundred pounds too, he's so proud of what I'm doing."

Readers can watch Dawn's progress live on BBC One from 9.30am until 1.30pm, on Sunday.