Thanks for visiting my site and your imminent, sizeable donation to my good cause. Since you are about to dig deep and hand over a significant amount of your hard-earned crust, you may like to know a bit more about where you money will end up.

I will be running in the Amsterdam Marathon in October 2009 in aid of the British Lung Foundation.

This is a charity with a special meaning to me – as well as their pioneering research, they support, help and care for people suffering with chronic lung related illnesses, such as my dad, Derek Simpson.

My dad suffers from a serious case of diffuse pleural thickening, which is a  condition that restricts the lung function of the sufferer, severely impairing their ability to breathe, and subsequently, move around.

The condition was caused by his exposure to asbestos in the 1970's, and is an illness that affects thousands of (mostly) hard-working men all around the world.

There is currently no cure, the treatment available is limited and research into conditions affecting the lung is one of medical sciences’ most unexplored frontiers.

This marathon is both in honour of my dad and his unfaltering bravery in the face of exceptionally difficult circumstances, and to raise money and awareness of this condition so as to contribute to finding a cure and helping other sufferers and their families to overcome the challenges it brings.

My dad and I appreciate both your support and your donation.