So after many years of sloth like activity, I thought it was time to take advantage of the downturn, get fit and maybe achieve something with it. Despite running being something I previously associated with school days - cross country running in mid-winter followed by cold showers being my lasting memories - I have taken up the batton once again. From standing start (excuse all these puns) I managed the half marathon in Windsor (with a little help from friends) and now onto greater challenges!

At 16 miles, Kinsgton is 2/3 of the way to a full marathon so it is with some intrepidation that I put my name forward.

I am delighted that my enthusiasm has also rubbed off with colleagues and so this is close to a proper M&A TEAM EVENT. Please do support everyone as they test new boundaries of endurance - while an 8am start is fine for those with children, just hark back to those pre-child days and you will recall just what an effort is being made by so many.

I am delighted to be supporting Action Aid in this event. through their well-known child sponsorship scheme.  ActionAid works closely with local communities in the very poorest countries to ensure that everything they do helps promote long-term stability and prosperity.  In 2003, its work helped over 7 million people in Africa alone!  ActionAid also has an impressive record for efficiency - in 2007 their UK support costs were a mere 4% of their revenue - meaning that an extraordinarily high proportion of the money is getting to the places where it's needed most.

Please do support!