I admire people in the medical profession.

Carers, doctors, nurses, porters, cleaners, administrators and educators. They all contribute to the world in a way that I could never.

Nevertheless, wherever I'm living, I try and do my bit for the local community. 

So, when I moved to London a few years ago, a friend of mine Dr James Goodman and myself headed out for a run to Tower Bridge.

That evening, I assigned James a task. The next day, he connected me with Ann Norcott, who administers the Volunteers Section of The Royal London Hospital.

I met with Ann and following various interviews, examinations, medical, professional and criminal checks, I was officially welcomed as a Volunteer at The Royal London Hospital.

For the past couple of years, I've been dashing to the hospital on Tuesday evenings to undertake voluntary work at the Accident & Emergency Ward - supporting the medical team and patients during their crises.

I’ve witnessed horrific accidents, emergencies, crimes and seen the effects of drug abuse, alcohol abuse and sadly, domestic abuse.

To see a woman walk into the emergency ward with a black eye is reprehensible. And so too is seeing an old man who served this country in wars on his death bed without family or friends.

I talk, listen and banter with patients, make them tea, coffee, run errands for them as well as support the medical team and lead orientation for new volunteers.

There’s also been a moment where I witnessed a cardiac arrest, urgently yelled for the doctor and we all rushed and saved a life in the nick of time.

As part of Team Royal London Hospital, I'm working to raise £100 in 2009 for Barts and The London Children’s Hospital.

I’m major on my sports and the outdoors, so my designated task is an intellectual challenge, rather than a physical one. In 2009, my challenge is to read twelve books over the course of a year. As you're all smarter than me and think this is my exit route from swimming across the channel or doing a sunset to sunrise hike, let me give you perspective: in 2008, I only successfully completed reading one book.

The trade-off for completing this challenge is that I'll potentially be as smart as a 5 year old nephew Zach, by the end of 2009, and Bart's and The London Children's Hospital will have an extra £100 to continue with their mission of supporting London's sick children.

Acts of kindness are bite-size, and the maximum inidividual donations accepted are £5. More importantly, if you live in London and want to contribute further, please call Ann Norcott on 020 7377 7792 or e-mail ann.norcott@bartsandthelondon.nhs.uk and become a volunteer.

Your time is the most priceless contribution to our hospital's efforts.

The challenge starts on January 1, 2009 and ends December 31, 2009.

Thank you and a healthy year to all.

Sampai nanti.

Wemp.