Many of you who have trailed behind me or twisted an ankle trying to keep up will know my reputation as a super-fast, no nonsense walker. I LOVE to walk. At university I'd multi-task, reading Joyce and Proust while negotiating the back-streets of Central London at super high speed. And heels have never been a hindrance when it comes to my getting from A to B as fast as humanly possible, as well dressed as possible. My boots are always made for walking. If you've ever been (un)lucky enough to witness me negotiate Oxford Street on a weekday you will also know my hatred of dawdlers, mid-street lurkers, and saunterers. Taking part in a nightime power-walking half marathon through London might therefore come as no surprise.

Many of you won't know, however, that in April of this year my Dad was diagnosed with a grade 4 glioblastoma, a very aggressive and devestating brain tumour. It is a notoriously diffcult cancer to treat and progress in research is essential to changing the current prognosis for such tumours.

Every year around 9,100 people in the UK are diagnosed with brain cancer and around 4,900 people lose their life to the disease every year. Cancer Research UK is a major funder of brain tumour research in the UK and they want to see a day when this horrific disease is cured. By sponsoring me you can help more people survive brain cancer, or prolong their life. Every pound you donate really does make a difference towards the work into diagnosing and treating brain tumours.

It's easy to donate. You can either sponsor me securely via the 'donate' button on this page, or if you prefer to use your mobile phone simply text:

I promise I will be wearing some completely impractical heels on 28th September and doing my best to qualify for the Olympic power walking team...

Many thanks for your support.

Catherine xox