Dear nearest and dearest,

Many of you will know I have foolishly agreed to undertake all 13 miles of the Great North Run this October. I have already been making plans to see more of the North East but this seemed like an energy-sapping way to do it.

The other reason that I am doing it is that Christian Aid asked me. As some of you will also know, my better half Jill saw some of their projects inhelping communities recover after the tsunami and enabling the most underprivileged women in society to defend their rights.

They help people of all faiths and none, and do great work. So if I’m prepared to go through this gruelling run, please share the pain and sponsor me!

Even better, Gift Aid it so that there’s no tax involved.

Thanks a million,

Craig