Having tried for several years I have finally got a place in the Flora London Marathon on 26 April 2009. The diet starts now! Clearly the hierarchy at Maiden Newton Running Club thought that the best way to prevent me running away with the club championship was to divert my attention away from local races, and thus gave me the club London place. Or maybe they thought it was the best way to actually get me out running.

For some time I knew that if I ever ran the marathon I would want to run in aid of the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance as they've picked up a number of people I know. In lovely unspoilt Dorset it is an essential service, and can reach  any remote and inaccessible part of either county within 18 minutes.

It is staffed by volunteers and relies entirely on donations so your generosity really will help. There is no government grant or NHS subsidy, so every penny is crucial to the £2,500 cost of each flight.

Thanks for visiting my fundraising page. I really hope you are able to sponsor me - the cold winter morning training sessions will be (slightly) easier knowing people have kindly supported me. For those wanting to know what time I'm aiming for - I'll let you know afterwards!

Please give as much as you can - the chances of you being asked again in future are pretty slim as I'll probably take about five years to recover.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: The Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance Charity gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.