As you are know I am overweight, short sighted and have hair that has led me to be known as the badger. What you may not know is that I am diabetic, my nephew is autistic and the son of one of my best friends nearly died after he contracted bacterial meningitis. Now I cant do anything with my mole vision and I am not about to break out the Just for Men and cull the badger locks! I can however do something about my weight and diabetes and make a meaningful contribution to the research into Autism and Meningitis.

I am therefore planning the M.A.D (Meningitis.Autism.Diabetes) Million Metre Marathon. My challenge is to complete a Million Metres (621 miles) on a Rowing Machine starting on 18th January 2014 and finishing on April 2nd which is National Autism Day.

As part of the challenge I plan to try and row a Marathon on Saturday 22nd March - spectators welcome.

I will need to row around 60 miles a week and a marathon to complete the challenge.

If you can spare a few pounds and encourage me to 'Row Fatboy Row!' then any donation to either Autusim or Meningitis will be gratefully received.

Many Thanks

Big Rick