Hi there,

After many years of trying I have finally been selected for this years London Marathon.

With just under a month to go, you'd expect that I would be well into my '2 hours to finish' training programme by now, and be as svelt as Mr Bean. However, a bad case of shin splints has put paid to that!  Still, as I meander around at the back of the race I am hopeful my fat belly will provide some extra energy over the course instead!

I have chosen to run for a small charity called The Lupus Trust, based at St. Thomas' Hospital in London.

Lupus is still relatively unknown, so let me fact you silly!

It is a disease in which the immune system goes 'wrong', and becomes overactive. It can affect any organ of the body. Because the symptoms can be so diverse, including for example; fatigue, rashes, depression and kidney failure, it is called the 'great mimic'.

While treatment has improved greatly over recent years, diagnosis remains a big issue. It is an awful disease to suffer, and in some cases can be fatal, as it was for my Father just over five years ago.

So please give as generously as you can. Your money will make a really big difference for this small but vital charity.

Thanks so much.

Matt.