Thanks for looking at this, and hopefully if you're looking at this you can chip in at least a fiver. Go on.

So basically, after having found I could run the Berlin marathon without collapsing I decided to sign up for the Paris Marathon this year. As part of my training I'll also be running the Eastbourne Half Marathon. I also signed up for Tough Mudder, a half marathon assault course, which I'd forgotten about until recently but we'll add that to my sponsorship-worthy activities. And I've just signed up for the Great North Run, which I've always wanted to do and realised I could get a charity place if I promised to run for the British Red Cross. So a total of two and a half marathons this year. And that's without the training runs.

Now, I like the British Red Cross. They seem to do some really important work around the world and deserve a bit of a boost. I meant to set up a direct debit a while ago... but I forgot. I'm hoping that this will make up for it. So please chip in, you'll be helping people around the world and assuaging my guilt in a couple of easy clicks.

Now here's the your-money's-safe bit:

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 charity 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 charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.