First of all, thank you for getting as far as clicking on the link from my email and not ignoring it!

On the 10th October, a suitably auspicious date, I embarked on my first-ever Half Marathon (having never run more than 5km in one go before, if you don't include lacrosse matches, which with all the stopping and starting, surely don't count), and wanted to do something worthwhile to celebrate the pavement pounding, so I am raising money to help the situation in Afghanistan.

Afghanaid has been working as an NGO in Afghanistan for nearly three decades, focusing on long-term sustainable development in some of the poorest rural communities. For further information please visit www.afghanaid.org.uk

Miraculously, I made it round the 13.3 miles in one piece, in a time of an hour and 56 minutes. Two days later, I was still hobbling around like my grandpa. Was it worth it? Yes!

I'd be most grateful for whatever you are able to give.