Being a supporter of English sport means I know what its like to be the underdog...both the rugby and football world cups...the Ashes...Wimbledon...the list goes on. And I feel that now it is my turn to step into those shoes and hoist the flag of the dark horse. The reason for this: The BUPA Great North Run on the 19th September 2010. 

Obviously, there are 54,000 runners in this event so logic dictates that I'm bound to be better than at least some of them, but the personal challenge and my reasoning for feeling like the underdog is the other members of my family that are partaking in this venture. My older brother Dom, older sister Frances, my Dad and Uncle Andrew are all running alongside me (figuratively). 

I am fully ready to accept that given my past exploits as not a very good long distance runner the title of underdog for our little group is worthy, but it is something I will do my darnedest to overturn. On my training runs my head is filled with visions of glorious sprint finishes...overtaking Dad or Dom on my way home...crossing the line to wild applause and much celebration...in truth I'll probably reach distance a sweaty mess and collapse across the line into the waiting arms of my good Mother or a paramedic. My current training regime is going well...as we progress further into the summer season and I begin to extend my runs up to half marathon distance I expect it to become more challenging but with steady progression I believe I can hit  my target time of less than 1 hour 45mins.

As you can see I am hoping to raise at least £300 for CAFOD by doing this run and I hope you can be a part of this and help me achieve this goal. CAFOD is a part of the Caritas International Foundation and they are committed to overseas development and relief. CAFOD works in more than 60 countries around the world where they run a range of projects encompassing education, healthcare and social wellbeing.  

As little as £3 can buy a child a full course of childhood immunisation. This means with the money you will hopefully help me raise 100 children could have this fundamental treatment to give them a better chance in life.

I want to run for CAFOD because of the work and involvement I’ve had with them. As part of seminars and talks by CAFODs members at various events I have learnt about and the work they do. A chance to give back to them what they have taught me by raising money to further enable them in their vital work is not one that I will pass up.

I ask not only for your donations but also for your support in this undertaking. I will try and keep you up-to-date with my training progress and the associated trials. Hopefully at some point I’ll get some pictures up of me slogging up a hill or putting in that final sprint finish. 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Thank you again. God Bless.