The Loch Leven half-marathon will be the third of six I'm going to do this year in preparation for the Berlin Marathon in September. To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the miners' strike I'm running this one on behalf of the Zacchaeus 2000 Trust (www.z2k.org) , which assists those in need to deal with proceedings brought against them by statutory bodies by acting as, or training, McKenzie Friends. Z2K also pursues test cases and campaigns on behalf of disadvantaged and vulnerable people, especially those being chased through the courts by creditors and who will present a soft target as the inexorable demise of late capitalism continues apace. Z2K's founding patrons were Lord Robert Runcie and Sir John Mortimer QC; its current patrons include the Chief Rabbi, Sir Jonathan Sacks, the remorseless Jeremy Paxman and the tirelessly funny Sandi Toksvig. If it's good enough for them...

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: the Zacchaeus 2000 Trust gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure that 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please sponsor me now, or I'll send the boy round.

With thanks

Dave (and Josh)