Firstly, thanks for coming here with the intention of donating money; I hope my crazy ramblings don't put you off!

Although I have run on and off for a few years now, I have never seriously gotten into it.  The most I have run in an organised event before is 6 miles, for Sport Relief in 2008.  Since then, I have suffered quite badly with shin splints, which has prevented me from doing much running.  This has abated recently, and after shelling out on some expensive new trainers, I'm confident I can make the step up and run a half-marathon.

Many of you, I'm sure, won't have heard of my charity, Cricket without Boundaries, or be familiar with their work.  To quote their website, their three main goals are:

•  – To spread cricket through coaching children and teaching adults how to coach; and
•  – To link the sport to HIV/AIDS awareness and incorporate these messages into coaching sessions.
•  – To bring together and empower local communities through cricket.
• CWB is currently committed to sending projects to at least 4 African countries on a twice yearly basis.

So far, I have been training for a few weeks, and my shins have been fine.  My ankles, knees and lungs have all variously hurt like hell, but my shins have been fine!  Hopefully I'll keep this page updated with my training progress, but knowing me, I won't!

Many thanks,
Ben