Those of you who know me, also know that I'm reluctant to run for busses, let alone running 10km (that's 6 miles to you and me) for charity.

Most of you will also know that I'm not a stranger to crying over old people in public. My mum says it's patronising, I say it's overwhelming empathy, either way I think it's time to stop getting teary about it and help the people who can make a difference.

Age UK (formerly Age Concern and Help the Aged) works with and for older people living in London; a city which can be difficult enough to live in if you're fit and healthy, but what must be a daunting experience when you are less financially secure, less mobile and have a smaller support network on which to rely.

I’ll be keeping you all up to date giving the gruesome details of my efforts to get fit in time for the race on 8 July. Thank you for any pennies that you can spare.