It's pretty tough being a young person right now in the UK. There are almost a million unemployed young people competing for jobs in a climate where even talented graduates are struggling to find work. 

Imagine how hard it would be to picture a future for yourself if your childhood was one of violence, abuse or neglect. Or if you found yourself without a home at 16, sleeping rough on the streets. Or if you found yourself struck in gang life, scared of what might happen to you if you walked away. Or if you found yourself dealing with substance abuse or mental health issues at the same time as navigating your already turbulent teenage years. 

The young people supported by The Prince's Trust are often facing many of these issues. But they want a better future - they want to change. The Trust offers a range of programmes which give young people  the confidence, skills, experience, and support they need to turn their lives around. 

It's for each and every one of them that I'm undertaking the rather unlikely challenge of running a half marathon in support of The Trust. And this is a HUGE challenge.

Those who know me will know that my usual runs are to the local purveyors of wine and cake. Or the bus stop at a push. When I crossed the line of a 10k 3 years ago (the precise moment I decided never to run again), my colleague told me I looked 'like I was about to die'. 

I know times are tough, but I would be so thrilled if you could spare a little something to keep me running, spur on my madness, and change young lives. 

Thank you so very much.

PS - If you're a tax payer, don't forget to add Gift Aid - we get 25% more money with no extra cost to you!