I had a lot of things I wanted to do by the time I was 40 - climb a big mountain, pose nude for Playboy, play the piano and run a marathon were just a few of the things on my list.

Well, I've hit the milestone so it's time I crossed at least one thing off. But Playboy hasn't come knocking, I'd rather eat cake than climb and I haven't got the patience to progress beyond 'Chopsticks' on a keyboard. I guess running a marathon is the easy option..... so I'm doing ten.

Yes, folks. I'm spending 2012 completing a series of marathons, 10ks, half-marathons and God knows what else to try and raise £5,000 for Yorkshire Cancer Research. And I'd really appreciate it if you could support me.

I'm starting with the Hull 10k on the 3rd June with other events including the Jane Tomlinson Run for All in Leeds, York and Sheffield , the Great North Run and the Great Birmingham Run, The great Midlands funs Run , the Liverpool FULL marathon, the Lakeland Trail Half Marathon and finally finsihing in Ocotber in Portsmouth at the Great south RUn

It's a hell of a challenge, I know - 120.5 miles in total - but I'm determined to do it (and hopefully lose a bit of weight along the way). I'm training twice a week and it's not easy, but I do get a buzz out of it.

And compared to coping with cancer, it's a doddle. Some of you will know that my sister had rhabdomyosarcoma when she was small. She was one of the lucky ones - she got the all-clear when she was 13 years old. But it's made me appreciate how fortunate we are, and think about those who don't get that second chance.

Yorkshire is my home now, and Yorkshire Cancer Research does so much to ensure that more people - children, adults, men and women - recover from this insidious disease.

I'm honoured to help them and hugely grateful for any support you can give me. As well as the running I'm arranging other events like pub quizzes and a celidh - so I'll get you one way or another. You might as well just give in gracefully.

Thanks everyone.

Melissa