I'm not running the marathon and I probably never will. There are however a couple of charities I am keen to help raise some money.

Research shows that while whether I run the marathon or not does not in itself make a difference to the world, people are more likely to donate to charity in response to being asked, and sponsorship for events such as the marathon provides a reason for asking.

Therefore please sponsor me NOT to run the marathon.

Please donate some money to CHICKS - Country Holidays for Inner City Kids. They provide holidays to children who wouldn't otherwise have them, due to poverty, neglect, abuse or caring responsibilities.

If you donate just 10 pence per mile of the marathon that I don't run that is £2.60 - a small amount to most people but added to the same amount from lots of other people that makes a huge difference to the two small charities I am supporting. Obviously do donate more if you feel able.

I may not be running the marathon but I have put my money where my mouth is and been a volunteer on four CHICKS holidays  - read about the first one here.

I am also asking for donations to the Gareth Butler History Trust. See here.