About 20 or so years ago I decided that I would like to run a marathon in the future. A couple of decades (and Great North Runs) later I am now close to completing my first marathon in on Sunday, 26th September 2010.

As I have funded my own place I could have an open choice about which charity to support. I have chosen a charity I volunteered for a few years ago; CHICKS (Country Holidays for Inner City Kids) - www.chicks.org.uk.

CHICKS provide FREE respite breaks for disadvantaged children from across the . These children include those in care; those suffering poverty, illness or bereavement; child carers; victims of abuse and crime. CHICKS provide these children with a free, fun filled respite break at either their Devon or retreats where the children make new friends, undertake new experiences, grow in confidence, motivation and ambition, and leave with an increased sense of self worth. We receive no government funding, so rely entirely upon the help and support of private donors, trust funds, corporate sponsors and volunteers.

As a volunteer, my interactions were anything from playing football, going to a theme park and conversations about future aspirations. It was an extremely fun and rewarding experience.

Somehow I've managed to fit in training around travelling and slight injuries and at the very least looking to complete the run in less than 4 hours (although my ultimate target is to beat 3:30!)

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.