It seemed like a good idea: to do the Great North Run half marathon on September 26 now that I'm a pensioner and can get cut-price rail travel to Newcastle. And nice to raise some money for Mind, since I'm clearly out of mine.

Now, with one month to go, I realise that I'm not fit enough, my knees ache, my hips hurt, and I'm likely to do a Paula Radcliffe but rather sooner in the race. Nevertheless I intend to start and see how far I get. It will help my motivation enormously to know that some good will come of this through your donations to Mind.

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page. Please dig deep and sponsor me online.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Mind The Mental Health Charity will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

So please sponsor me now!

Many thanks for your support.