After several years watching the London Marathon go past my front door in Narrow Street, I can't now resist trying to join in.  And I'm very grateful to the most local of the Marathon charities, The Dockland Settlements, for accepting my application to run for them.

For over 100 years, Dockland Settlements has provided a range of services and facilities to people in the Isle of Dogs, Rotherhithe and Stratford in the East End.  Despite recent business development and regeneration locally, this area is still one of the most deprived in the country.  The Dockland Settlements provide breakfast and after-school clubs, pre-school childcare, youth work, counselling, IT training, organised sports (including cricket training) and social activities to low-income families and the elderly.  You can watch a video about its activities by logging into http://www.docklandsettlements.org.uk/video.php.

Dockland Settlements faces a challenge in the coming years to maintain and expand its capacity and redevelop its centres, not least in view of the recession. So I'd be very grateful if you would make a donation towards their activities.

All you have to do  is make a quick donation through JustGiving.  Once you donate, JustGiving will send your money directly to The Dockland Settlements and ensure that Gift Aid is reclaimed.  All I have to do is to keep plodding the streets in training, and to survive until and during the 26 mile torture itself.

Many thanks for your help.

David