Please can I ask you to support me and the Bermuda foundation in raising funds for HOOPS 4 HOPE through me running the 89 km (56miles) Comrades Ultra-Marathon on the 3 June!!

HOOPS 4 HOPE are a tremendous organisation doing work I have huge admiration for – helping kids in the under-priviledged and high density suburbs around Cape Town and Harare play sport and through sport learn life skills. For more information on Hoops 4 Hope, please check out www.hoopsafrica.org and www.soccer4hope.org.

The press-blurb will have you believe the Comrades is the greatest ultra marathon in the world and this year there will be 18000 entrants. The race direction alternates each year between Pietermaritzburg and Durban and this year is a down run. The race was started in 1921 as a living memorial to the spirit and camaraderie of the soldiers of World War 1. In South Africa, the Comrades is hugely famous and well known, probably for the drama of the cut-off gun. In other words, at the cut-off time a marshall stands with his back to the oncoming racers and fires a gun to signify the cut-off. TV always broadcasts the drama of some poor soul who has run the full distance but is a second or so slow being kept away from the finishing line and their finisher’s medal.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. I am very lucky that my employer will also match donations you make (up to a generous limit). So, all in all this is a pretty efficient way to donate to a very good and deserving cause.

Thanks for your support.