I’m running the London Marathon this year. I’ve decided to follow my tree hugger instincts and raise money for an environmental charity – Trees for Cities seemed to fit the bill.

They run projects in London and further afield, including one locally to me on the Isle of Dogs and one in my home town of Reading. There are lots of good reasons to plant trees – they produce CO2, make cities green, help prevent landslides and soil erosion, provide food and income for local people – to name but a few.

So please sponsor me now!