The 2006 Wombles of Wimbledon team of 22 runners raised over £40,000 for Jesuit schools in Zimbabwe through their London Marathon sponsorship. And I beat my target of £2,000 - even though I badly twisted my ankle just two days before and didn't actually run. No, it wasn't an easy kop out, as some friends jibed. I had done all the training and was bitterly disappointed not to take part.

 

If you have read the recent news from Zimbabwe the situation goes from bad to worse. Peaceful demonstrations against the government have been fired on by police and people have been killed. Half the country's teachers are on strike over their pay which is fast becoming worthless due to rampant inflation. And more children are dying each day than in Darfur.

 

And all I can do is raise money to send to Makumbi, the country school where I taught as a volunteer over 30 years ago. Thankfully the school and the children there are thriving - and all it takes is £10 to pay for one child for one term's school fees. This recent photograph shows happy students holding up work they have done thanks to last year's money which YOU gave for books and fees.

 

So, thank you for last year and please give just a little this year too. Only this time I pledge to start - and hopefully to finish - the Marathon. I joked in the pub recently that last year Jade Goody could only manage 13 miles in plimsoles and was firmly put in my place by a friend who reminded me that it was 13 miles more than I did. Well, this year watch out Jade, 'cos here I come!