On the 23rd May I'll once again be donning the running shoes to raise money and this time it's the big distance, the Edinburgh Marathon.

I will be raising money for a cause close to my heart, The John Thornton Young achievers Foundation

The Foundation was established in 2008 to honour the memory of John Thornton, a young Royal Marines Officer who was tragically killed on the 31st March 2008, at the age of 22, whilst serving in Afghanistan.  Having achieved a tremendous amount in his short but remarkable life, including a flight with the Red Arrows, qualifying as a freefall skydiver and travelling across New Zealand, the Thornton family decided that the provision of opportunities for young people across the UK to achieve both their ambitions and potential in life would be a fitting legacy that John would have been immensely proud of.

I know these are difficult and tax heavy times, all I ask is that you please donate as much as you can spare for a charity that invests in the young people who are the future of the United Kingdon and honours the memory of a young man who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country.

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.