RACEDAY UPDATE: I finished 2,763rd out of 34,000+ runners in a time of 3:17:36 - although I was beaten by Scooby Doo.

More importantly, NCH, the children's charity, will be able to bank more than £4,000 (after giftaid) thanks to the generosity of my sponsors.

(Those of you who didn't sponsor me will be delighted to know that there's still time.......)

David

My wife says I'm training for the marathon to get out of housework and childcare. That's really unfair: I'm hoping to avoid the shopping too.

On April 13, which is suddenly not very far away at all, I'm taking on the London Marathon. I suspect the marathon might win but I hope to finish and raise some money for a good cause.

I'm running for NCH, the children's charity. NCH help make families happen for children who would otherwise be in care, often through adoption. They make families happen for adults who might otherwise not become parents. NCH played a major part in bringing our daughter and us together.

I wangled my own marathon entry so I have no mimimum fund-raising target although I started off aiming to raise £1,000. Thanks to the generosity of friends, colleagues and (yes) politicians of all parties I've been able to "move the goalposts", as they say in politics, and raise more than I initially thought possible.

That doesn't mean NCH couldn't use some extra dosh. Every donation, large or small, is really appreciated. Thanks

David