It wasn't a joke. When Jack Dee said at the What Car? Awards that I'll be running the marathon, he was actually telling the truth. Let's hope he won't be able to read my review of the Ambulance that takes me home!

Yes, the editor of What Car? and the bloke who drives from the office to the restaurant next door, has decided to run the London Marathon - all in aid of the National Autistic Society. And his own health!

As with most of these mad things - it started as a bet. But as someone whose family has been greatly affected by Autism, it made sense to do something that would help sufferers and the families of sufferers.

The National Autistic Society (NAS) is the UK's leading charity for people with autistic spectrum disorders and their families.

Autism (including Asperger syndrome) is a lifelong developmental disability. It is a spectrum condition occurring in varying degrees of severity. Around 588,000 people have autism in the UK today and over 2 million people are affected by the condition, which is characterised by difficulties with communication and social interaction. The NAS provides a wide range of services to help people with autistic spectrum disorders live their lives with as much independence as possible. For further information please visit www.autism.org.uk

I do hope you're able to sponsor me and help raise money for what I know is an excellent cause. And if nothing else, you'll be playing a part in making me wobble around London's streets in broad daylight, suffering from mile one - surely worth it if I've ever written something you don't agree with!

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It's also the most efficient way to sponsor me: National Autistic Society will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

Very many thanks for your support. Full pictures of my pain and suffering will be available to all, and whoever sponsors me for the most money will receive my running kit and shoes, unwashed, as a momento - I certainly won't be using them again!

Steve Fowler