Updated on Jun 7th 2011 at 12:09 PM from the JustGiving API

Quick update from Le Mans!!... GET YOUR NAME ON AN ASTON MARTIN LE MANS CAR!!! Big final push to top up the funds raised earlier from the Marathon so anyone this week that donates £100 by midday this FRIDAY will get their name on the #79 Aston Martin Vantage that I am racing for Jota AMR in the Le Mans 24hrs this weekend! You may also choose to put the name of a Starlight-supported child instead of your own... Either way I will send you a signed photo clearly displaying your name on the car (so please leave me a contact for you). ETCH YOURSELF INTO LE MANS HISTORY & HELP THIS FANTASTIC CHARITY - PLEASE DONATE NOW!!!

The Blurb...

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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.

So please dig deep and donate now.

 

The Beg...! (30/3/11)

Right, after my now annual bout of 'shin-splints' (pretty standard runners' injury, not entirely brilliant!) which seem hell-bent on buggering up all attempts at half decent London Marathon preparation to the point of possible withdrawal, I've decided not to give in to the little blighters and 'reaffirm' my commitment to the great race - and more importantly, the wonderful Starlight Childrens Foundation for whom I will be running. 

This sadly makes me pretty late to the sponsorship quest as the last thing I wanted to do was let down you fabulous supporters in the event that injury got the better of me. But serval hundred quid's worth of physio sessions, pediatrist visits and one very spangly pair of new trainers later (not to mention a good talking to oneself!), I am very happy to confirm that I.WILL.RUN.THE.LONDON.MARATHON, even if I'm still polishing off the final miles through Westminster as Wills & Kate tie the knot two weeks later!

 
The Beneficiaries...

Starlight is not just a good charity, but a seriously great one, run by the most fantastic, amazing, selfless people I have ever met. Their every working hour is focused (as they put it) on, "Brightening the lives of seriously and terminally ill children" by granting incredible wishes and making many illness-stricken children's dreams come true. And incredibly successful they are at it too!

 

Whether it be arranging a ride in a racing car, meeting David Beckham, travelling to Disney Land, creating brilliant in-hospital play centres, or even just providing a child with a laptop so that they can stay in touch with their mates on Facebook while stuck in their hospital ward, the Starlight team have an incredible ability to inspire, support and cheer up kids - and their families - who are otherwise facing horrific challenges.

 

Naturally, granting such wishes requires considerable funding, but I have seen first hand the extraordinary good it can do, so take my word for it that every penny you consider donating to my marathon running campaign will be put to the very best of causes.

The Bribe...!

Now, to make up for the tardy start to my impending barrage of sponsorship pleas, i'll try to make it interesting for you:

- the first two sponsors of £50 or more will receive a fantastic full colour canvas print  by Fluid Images (25"x17") of Aston Martin 009 in action at Le Mans last year (signed by yours truly if you wish!). You can see the image in the photos on this page.

- anyone who pledges over £300 will be entitled to a free day of private racing driver coaching with me at a circuit of your choice. Please note this does not include the track day fee or car rental fee (if required)

- the first sponsor to pledge £500 or more wins a VIP trip for two as my personal guests to 'Silverstone 6-Hour' round of the Le Mans Series in September, where I'll be driving for Aston Martin Racing. This will include full hospitality, a guided tour of the pit garage, opportunities to meet with all my co-drivers, the chance to see the stunning new AMR One up close and personal and generally the guarantee of a fantastic behind-the-scenes day!!

I hope this encourages some of you to dig very deep into your wallets, but to those put off by the amounts mentioned above, please don't hesitate to chuck in whatever you can afford - it is all hugely appreciated and every pound really does make a difference.

Thanks so much to all of you in advance, I'll keep you posted throughout!

Sam.