To celebrate/commemorate my 40^th year, I will be attempting my debut Marathon in Paris on 5^th April!

I entered myself with the hope of running a sub four hour time, shedding a few unwanted pounds and raising some money for a good cause.

Despite a killer training regime, my weight has only slightly diminished and 4 hours looks like a very distant prospect! I am therefore concentrating my efforts on the fundraising – and hope you can help.

I am raising money for a very worthy cause - Rainbows Children Hospice, which provides help and support for young people with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions. Matt Byrne (my friend and training partner), has a daughter Sophie who is a regular visitor to Rainbows.  I know what fantastic work they do and the benefit both Sophie and her carers get from their help.

Hopefully if we can raise a little bit of money, it might even encourage me to run a little faster and help numb the pain.

If all else fails, in true French style, runners are offered red wine and cheese at 20 miles – a key factor in choosing Paris for my debut!

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Rainbows Children's Hospice gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please sponsor me now!