Last September, I submitted my application form to WaterAid to run the London Marathon. I had hoped it would have got lost in the post but it did not. And now I find myself in a predicament: not only do I have a very, very long way to run - but I also have a very, very large sum of money to raise. 

I have an even bigger problem too. When I submitted my application I sort of, well did, guess how long a marathon is… I didn’t get the memo explaining it was 42km... so, I said I could do it in 3 hours! WaterAid now think I am a pro; a male Jessica Ennis if you will, and I now find myself setting off from the London Marathon Gold enclosure. This is, well, embarrassing to say the least.

In all seriousness though WaterAid are a truly remarkable charity. They provide a vital role in a world where 1 in 10 people do not have access to clean drinking water and water related diseases kill 2,000 children every day. Diarrhoea kills more children every year than AIDS, malaria and measles combined! WaterAid works to provide clean water and sanitation to the poorest areas of the world, working through 27 countries in Africa, Asia and Central America, to date having helped over 15 million people.

Anyone that knows me will know this is not something I am going to find easy, nor will I enjoy. It is going to be absolutely horrendous. 

Your donations will make a difference. Not only to me getting to the finish line, but £15 can help one person gain access to safe water, sanitation and improved hygiene and £20 could rehabilitate a rural village water point in Bangladesh.

This is a worthy cause that is close to my heart, providing for the most basic of human needs which all of us take for granted.

Please give generously, it means a lot and I really do appreciate it.

Big love,

Ed x