Until the Summer of 2010 I'd never run more than 2 miles without stopping - and then only occasionally.

I'm now in training for the 2011 London Marathon - 13 times that distance - where I'll be raising money for the Royal National Institute for the Deaf and Macmillan Cancer Care.  

One of my two daughters is deaf with learning difficulties; the other inspired me to tackle the London Marathon after completing it twice and is a fundraising manager for Macmillan.

The training programme is tougher than anything I've ever experienced.

In April I'll be 62 so will need lots of encouragement, some of it by way of donations to these two splendid charities which are both close to my heart.

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.

Your contribution would be much appreciated.