I'm about to attempt to run my first ever marathon for 2 excellent causes - Sweet Charity and the Dame Vera Lynn Trust. I really hope you will support them and me.

Even though sport plays a huge part in my life, running 26.2 miles is going to be a huge personal test. Deficiencies in my personality mean that just "getting around" isn't enough, and I'm aiming to achieve a time that I will be proud of, and highly unlikely to achieve! As I put in the training and feel the pain, I would love you to support both me and the charities...

The Sweet Charity provides practical and emotional support to past and present employees of the confectionery industry. This is genuine opportunity to give a little something back to an industry that gives most of those who work in it a very comfortable living.

I will also be giving a percentage of everything raised to "The Dame Vera Lynn School for Parents" (Registered Charity Number 1085697). This is a school for children between 0 - 5 years old who have Cerebral Palsy and similar conditions.

This is a cause very close to me as my cousin's 3 year old daughter Jennifer has been attending the school for over 2 years now.  The school is a Trust, and relies 100% on voluntary contributions.  Everything the Trust receives makes a huge difference and enables the Trust to continue to provide this fantastic service to many families - so please dig deep and be generous!"