Slaley's Laura Sanger is raising money for the Children’s Heart Unit at Freeman Hospital with a marathon challenge.
The clinical psychologist is aiming to buy seven echocardiograms by running seven marathons in 12 months.
The inaugural Gateshead marathon marks her third in the series of events, having already run marathons in Newcastle's Town Moor and Bingley in Yorkshire.
So far, she has netted £1,684 through sponsorship on her Just Giving page.
Following the Gateshead marathon, which takes place two days after her 55th birthday, she plans to participate in the Durham Bake-off run in June and the Helmsley marathon in July.
Afterwards, Dr Sanger plans to wrap up her year by taking on two marathons in warmer climates; Lisbon, Portugal in October, and Malaga, Spain in December.
Dr Sanger said: "I’m delighted to run this marathon in Gateshead, where I was born and raised.
"I’m looking forward to the route along the quayside and the finish at Gateshead stadium.
"The last marathon was a challenge because I’d missed some training through illness, but I am feeling a bit more ready for this one!
"I chose this charity because the team at the Freeman have given my daughter excellent care and support for 16 years, since her heart transplant as a baby.
"I want to support them to have the equipment that they need to do their jobs.
"If you can spare any amount, no matter how small, it would mean a great deal."
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