A FOREST novellist who has battled with ME for the last ten years has signed up for this year's Great North Run in September.

The Review told the story of Stuart Allison, of Lydbrook, who has penned the book M.E. and me: Chronic Fatigue; My Recovery After 10 Years, under the name Stuart Aken, which is both a memoir and a guide for sufferers and their carers.

Stuart said: "My book went on sale on June 14 and is also available online and through booksellers.

"The book is being sold alongside my other fundraising activity, i.e. running a half marathon. I've been accepted for the Great North Run, which takes place on September 13. People can donate at http://www.justgiving.com/Stuart-Aken">www.justgiving.com/Stuart-Aken

"I'm currently training for the half marathon by running through the Forest from my home in Lydbrook. This form of exercise is clearly a challenge for someone who's been forced to be inactive for ten years, but I'm following a special programme devised by the people who organise the run. I did run a half marathon way back in the 1980s to raise funds for a local hospice, when I lived in Essex.

"In between promoting my book and training for a half marathon, I'm also a member of the local writing group, Dean Writers."

The 67-year-old moved to the Forest from East Yorkshire with his wife Valerie in January so they could walk and enjoy the countryside.

Stuart added: "The Forest of Dean appealed to us straightaway because of its friendly people and the beauty of the forest.

"I'm a published novelist with a fantasy trilogy, a science fiction novella and a romantic thriller to my name so far."