Thanks for visiting my fundraising page.  If you know me well you are probably very confused by seeing the word RUN next to my name, but don't worry, don't panic, do not adjust your monitor, you are in the right place, read on and all will become clear...

I have decided to try and do something worthwhile with myself this year, rather than spending all my time drinking beer and watching telly, so when my dear friend Matt rang and said "will you do a fun run with me"  I decided to go for it!  Matt's one condition was that we "run the whole thing" and as it was 5 months away I agreed, dreaming of being fantastically fit and thin by then and even of winning a medal as I crossed the finish line.

The event we chose was The 5k Big Fun Run taking place in Sefton Park, Liverpool on Sunday 9th August - each participant is awarded a medal - result!

Now with just 8 weeks to go I have realised I really need to get myself moving or I am going to be thoroughly shown up by darling Matthew on the day (plus it is just unfair to expect him to carry me more than half the way round!)  Matt has been going to the gym and working hard like a good boy, he is all focused and on track.  I meanwhile have been online and ordered a fun run t-shirt so I look the part, thought about doing some exercise, been on holiday and drank lots of beer, talked about doing some exercise, made a new and improved ass grove on my couch and joined a gym with the intention of starting training next week...

I am fast running out of next week's!  I need an incentive to get my lazy self in shape for the big event so I have opened up this fundraising page - this way some good will come out of all my pain... I will have a real reason to keep at it and turn up on the day!

This is where you come in!  I am asking you to sponsor my first ever attempt at this kind of event.  In return I pledge to work arse off training in the gym and arrive at the run on the day with the genuine intention (and hopefully the fitness level) to "run the whole thing"

The charity I have chosen to supoprt is George House Trust, this is why:

George House Trust - Our central aim is to promote the best quality of life for people living with and affected by HIV in the North West.

• provides voluntary support services for people with HIV in the North West, together with support to carers, partners and children directly affected by HIV.
• runs education campaigns for people with HIV and to raise awareness about HIV.
• challenges discrimination against people with HIV and campaigns for the best quality of life for all people with HIV.

The situation is serious. Today in the North West alone there are over 4700 men, women and children living with HIV - and new infection rates are higher than ever.

That's why it's time for action on HIV.

For over 20 years, George House Trust has been providing vital support to people living with HIV. Now they need our support to continue helping the rising numbers of people still becoming infected each year. I know that the staff, volunteers and people depending on this amazing charity will be grateful for anything you can do to help.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: George House Trust 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 and rest in the knowledge that you are putting me through lots of pain as well as helping this great cause!