Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

For various reasons I have specialised in helping people who have suffered spinal cord injuries. My fee earning work as a solicitor focuses exclusively in this area. I have met some truly inspirational people who have suffered spinal cord injuries or who are involved in helping and caring for people living with spinal cord injuries.

I have been really impressed by the work that the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) does in this area. The SIA's mission is to support people affected by spinal cord injury and to advise, educate and campaign on all its aspects. I know from first hand experience that this work is much valued by people who have suffered spinal injuries. Please take the time to visit the SIA website using this link http://www.spinal.co.uk/. You can follow the SIA on twitter @spinalinjuries (and don't forget @brethertonspi where I tweet).

Whilst I played a lot of football when I was younger, I have never liked running - certainly not distance running. However I have always had an admiration for those that were able to take part in and complete the marathon. Being inspired by people who overcome all sorts of challenges in their daily routines caused me to consider the challenges I face. It was not too long before I found myself being talked into a challenge that will certainlly test me to my limits.

If by meeting my marathon challenge I can raise money that the SIA can use in their work helping people who face far greater challenges than many of us ever take the time to comprehend then every step I take in the 26.2 miles, and in the more than 500 or so miles I will run between now and April 21st 2013 in training, will be worth it. So too will my shrinking by the 2 cm I am told marathon runners temporarily lose over the course of the race such is the impact on the skeletal system.

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 Spinal Injuries Association and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the SIA.

Please dig deep and donate now.