<p>Hi All</p> <p>In a rush of blood to the head last year I signed up to run the Brighton marathon (in April) and Cambridge half marathon (in March) to raise money for my girlfriend Georgie's goalball team. I wish I could now say that I am fully prepared and looking forward to both but it is the complete opposite!</p> <p>Now for a short x factor style story about goalball and Georgie to try and guilt people in to donating.</p> <p>Georgie was diagnosed with Macular degeneration when she was only 4 years old, a condition which has caused her to become severely visually impaired (cue jokes about why she is going out with me).</p> <p>One of the best things that have helped her with living with this condition is playing the Paralympic sport goalball. Goalball is specifically designed for Blind and visually impaired athletes. (See clip in videos section of the highlights of the men&rsquo;s 2008 goalball Paralympics final).</p> <p>The women&rsquo;s squad are now on track to compete in the London 2012 Paralympics (for the first time since Sydney 2000). However they are a poorly funded squad and compared to many of their competitors their training sessions and funds for travelling to competitions are restricted. In order to have any realistic chance of a medal they need support. And although with many other marathon 100% of the donations received will go straight to the Goalball charity.</p> <p>If that is not enough incentive to donate then the thought of me in crying pain for 26 miles should hopefully be enough to get you to donate.</p> <p>If I get over &pound;2,000 I will let the highest donator chose something for me to do for the final mile of the marathon (if I get that far). Current suggestions are doing the last mile just in my pants but I am sure you can all think of something worse.</p> <p>Thanks very much</p> <p>Ricky</p> <p class="MsoNormal">PS If you would like to come and support me at either events please do. I think I might need it...</p>