<p>As a journalist I have been lucky enough to have reported from the front line with our troops in Afghanistan, and before that, Iraq.</p> <p>The one thing soldiers told me, that stuck with me above anything else, was how much they valued the work of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.</p> <p>This year I am running the New York Marathon for Troop Aid - a Solihull Charity who's mission is to supply injured troops with the &lsquo;basic essentials&rsquo; when they return from serving their country overseas.</p> <p>This will be my first marathon.</p> <p>Pam and Al Sutton, who run the charity from their home, are two of the greatest people I have ever met. They have also been instrumental in backing my Badge of Honour campaign that sees local heroes rewarded by local people via the Birmingham Mail.</p> <p>I know money is tight so whatever you can give will be great. I will be donating cash myself throughtout the coming months too. I must also thank Sports Tours International who are sponsoring me through this event. Their running events can be found at www.sportstoursinternational.co.uk.</p> <p>Thanks for your support.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Paul</p>