I have gone completely mad as most of you probably already know, but I have decided to do a triathalon (my first and last!) which takes place on 7 June at Blenheim Palace and involves a 750metre  'open water' swim across the lake in a wetsuit followed by a 20k bike ride and then a 5km run! I am therefore writing to ask if you might consider sponsoring me as I need all the encouragement I can get at the moment!

Although I started 6 months ago to get fit enough to participate, I have less than two weeks to make up for six weeks off after blowing it skiing, bruising my coccyx in my zeal to keep up with the young men!  However, I'm determined to complete this event even if I come in last!  Why am I so determined??

a. Because I'm completely crazy

b. I like a challenge

c. I'm passionate about the work of St Paul's Hammersmith and the Christian Healing Mission

d. all of the above

HINT: d.

One of the charities I’m raising money for is Stretch 21 - a major extension of my church, St Paul's Hammersmith.   But this is not just another building project! Donating to this building is about investing in people. Over the past eight years, the congregation at St Paul's has grown from 150 to around 800. New people come through the doors of St Paul's each week. Some are seeking peace and reflection in the midst of their busy lives. Others are in desperate need of help and support.

Through a multitude of initiatives, the church is meeting many of these needs – feeding the homeless, educating the unemployed and counselling those in debt. Our church building is no longer capable of containing all the work that’s going on. We are bursting at the seams and it’s crucial that we extend our space so that we can continue to stretch out and make a difference to lives in Hammersmith and beyond.

I'm also running for the Christian Healing Mission, which as chairman, is an initiative very close to my heart and which is linked with the mission of St. Paul's. It aims a) to be a place where people can come for prayer; b) to encourage churches in the healing ministry; c) to respond to requests for prayer and d) to train people and churches in the healing ministry. To further these aims in a more effective way, part of our long-term vision is to establish centres of healing to encourage churches in this ministry throughout the country.  If you would be interested in contributing some of your donation to this organisation, please make a note of that in the comments.

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

So please sponsor me now - so we can both share the pain!