Dear The Internet,

On 20th October I shall be running my first full marathon across the scenic lands of York. Last year I did Leeds half marathon to fundraise for Marie Curie Cancer Care, so this year I have to push a little bit further. Twice as far, in fact, though in my head it seems a lot more than that. It is going to be a gruelling challenge that may completely break me, but it's one with a purpose.

The background of all this is I'm running in memory of the mother of my then-girlfriend, who died in January 2005 after a long battle with cancer. She spent her last few weeks at Marie Curie's Bradford hospice, who ensured beyond what we could've hoped that her last days were as comfortable and dignified as possible. They also have a puffer fish that once beat me in a staring contest. I'm hoping that by continuing to raise money and awareness for this cause that they can continue their work in making the latter days for cancer sufferers as good as they can be. 

The only way I can make this happen is with help from all you lovely people, so please sponsor me to carry out this ludicrous task and make it all worthwhile.