Thank you for being tempted to sponsor me. In a moment of weakness recently I was talked into taking part in the Grand Shaftesbury Run, which is a half-marathon around the Earl of Shaftesbury's estate in Dorset.

I have not done a huge amount of running before. I occasionally pretend to Laura that I run around Battersea Park on my evenings in London, but it is a pretty rare event. The truth is 6ft 6 and 17 stone aren't the best dimensions for long distance running. Nevertheless I am now committed and Maisy (the dog) and I have been secretly training for the last month or so.

It is also my first fund raising effort and a very worthwhile cause. The Cornwall Community Foundation makes small grants to help improve lives where it is needed most. Often as little as a few hundred pounds, these gifts transform peoples lives. It is a small charity and will be very grateful for your support.

Our children are the fourth generation of Miles's to enjoy fun in the wind and rain at the cornish seaside every summer. Away from the picture postcard beauty of the North Cornish coast however, we forget that Cornwall is one of the poorest regions in Europe. Any donation would be wonderful.

Thank you and best wishes James.