Back in the summer of '88 I made a solemn vow. It was the end of summer term, I was about to start in a new school, and I vowed I'd never, ever do cross country running again.

And so I didn't. For 20 years.

However somehow a so-called mate has roped me into doing the 'Coombe Hill Run' on 1st June. How far are you running, I hear you ask. Not very far at all actually. But the clue is in the title - it's hilly. Very hilly. And actually I've found it doesn't matter how far it is. All that matters is how fit you are. And I'm not fit at all (see the gorgeous self- portrait on the left, taken shortly after I'd picked myself off the lounge floor after a practice run.)

So please dig deep and sponsor me - the cause is one very personal to me - the staff at florence nightingale trust have a very difficult and sometimes harrowing job, but a couple of years ago they were a wonderful comfort to me and my family at a very difficult time.

Many thanks,

B