I've signed up for an eight-mile slog across a flooded (and most probably frozen) Army vehicle testing track in December. The race – aptly-named the Grim Challenge – is well out of my comfort zone and also takes place the day after I get back from a drinking trip to Germany.

Aside from wanting to burn off a few calories, I am doing the run to raise money for St Barnabas Hospice in Lincolnshire. The charity's carers helped to look after my Granddad during some pretty hard times before his death earlier this year and their skill and patience was an inspiration.

Anyway, please donate whatever you can afford. I've set a low target considering the time of year, but anything will help.

Cheers,

Steve