So, I am at it again. Another year, another sporting challenge. But this one will be very special to me - it's the first time I run a race in my alma mater city, and the first time I take part to a Nottingham Alumni fundraising event.

In 2017, the University of Nottingham is aiming to celebrate and support the ground-breaking work of its Children's Brain Tumour Research Centre. Each year, hundreds of children and their families are faced with the terrifying diagnosis of a brain tumour. Researchers and clinicians at the Nottingham University Children’s Brain Tumour Research Centre (CBTRC) have been consistently at the forefront of leading-edge research, working tirelessly to improve diagnosis, treatment and awareness, saving the lives of thousands of children around the world.

Together, we can create a brighter future for children with brain tumours – developing effective, targeted treatments that not only save lives, but give those receiving them the best chance to fully recover and live life to the full.

To encourage donations to this worthy cause, I will spice up my race: if I reach my first target of £100, I will run the half marathon dressed as Robin Hood.* It’s a promise!

*photos will be available