In April, as you may have heard, I am running (hopefully being carried) 150miles across the Sahara in the hardest footrace on Earth, the Marathon des Sables.

For the altruists among you - I will go no further - be happy and donate now - a more fufilling cause you will not find!

I am running in aid of Mencap - it is my way of saying thankyou for the great effort it makes helping people with disabilities of all ages enjoy all life to the fullest.

Mencap has played a vital role in educating people and breaking down the discrimination surrounding those with learning difficulties. It is hard to believe that until relatively recently accepted policy was to lock people with learning difficulties away in long stay hospitals.

Hopefully Mencap can help to ensure that the lives and personal freedoms of those with learning disabilities continue to improve - and that the prejudices surrounding them will disappear.

My past few years have been burgeoning ones - mainly my waist line - I am under no illusion that a 150 mile race will be a walk over (it will be oh-so much slower!). Add to that 40 degree heat, a back pack full of provisions and in all likelyhood skinless feet...and the fact that tents are shared with 8 unwashed desert running (stinky) strangers and you get the picture, but I get the pain...

So please, please donate if you can!

Thank you, Thank you, thank you, thank you, JOCK

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Mencap 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.

So please sponsor me now!

Many thanks for your support.