Yes, yes, I know, I know it is that time of year where I ask you to empty your pockets for charity where I constantly harass you until you part with some money. As most of you are aware I am participating in Iron Man UK on 7th September. Just for the record for some of you, I will not be lifting heavy barrels and pulling trucks, as that is the World's Strongest Man, slightly different, which requires a lot more egg eating, yelling and Scandinavians with no necks.

Iron Man is a triathlon slightly longer than usual, swimming 2 and half miles in a lake, cycling around 120 miles and then running a marathon before the 18-hour cut off point. Being ‘slightly’ competitive and sport mad, I have been training throughout the year in all weather for several hours a day, on many occasions enjoying sleet and snow but nothing outshines the sheer fun of swimming in a freezing cold lake on a Monday night! Some of you will be pleased to hear I will be donning again the Borat style outfit just with a little less chest and facial hair. It is not for hire.

Anyway more to the point, sadly last year a dear friend of mine, Paul, tragically lost his life after being attacked by four men in a fight. This is a very sad memory that will stay with me forever, feeling helpless as Paul passed away in front of me in the street after leaving him for a few moments. Paul, following this tragic incident, brain failed to function and the hospital were unable revive him. Paul in a few words was a very comical, hardworking, considerate, outgoing, generous, entertaining man who always got a smile out of people with his outrageous antics. However, he could not dance like Michael Jackson as he often thought or pour drink in his ear to make it come out of his mouth.

50% of the money I raise will go to The Queen Mary’s Hospital Head Injury Unit-Paul Baker Charity Fund, which will fund specialist equipment and help rehabilitation for people recovering from severe head injuries. The other 50% will go towards a range of charities causes; Leukaemia Research, MacMillian Cancer Care-Breast Cancer Awareness, Children’s Hospice, Air Ambulance and Youth & Sports in UK.

Having got this far on my fundraising page I would be very grateful if you could make a donation, this would mean a huge amount to Paul’s family and all the charities I have selected. 

Thank you so much for your support this is really appreciated and if anyone fancies a swim on a Monday night…………