In July 2014, my step-nephew Felix Byam Shaw died unexpectedly of Meningitis W whilst on summer holiday in France with some school friends. He was a strong, handsome 14 year old Etonian in the process of emerging from his chrysalis of puberty into a stunning young man of honour. The infection came on suddenly and progressed quickly, and he died within a matter of hours of the first symptoms. It rocked the whole family but devastated his parents and brother.

Felix had been an extraordinarily compassionate young man and amongst many things was concerned about the injustice of poverty in our country. After much thought, his parents set up The Felix Project in his memory to help fight that plight. Free of charge, The Felix Project collects good quality food from suppliers, checks it’s fresh and then delivers it to charities so they can give vulnerable people a healthy meal or snack.

It’s such a simple idea and so incredibly effective but The Project needs funds to survive and keep doing their incredible work....which is where you come in.

I get so much pleasure from sponsoring my friends and donating to their charities of choice all through the year, and now I’m asking you to do the same for me. No matter how small, every little bit counts, and will give me the impetus to continue running on the day. It really has been a hideous winter to train through but the thought of Felix spurs me on everyday and this charity needs to continue and succeed. I want to be a part of that achievement with your help.

FROM THE CHARITY: The mission of the Felix Project is simple - to take surplus food from their suppliers and deliver it to any charity that helps feed people. It's all nutritious and would otherwise go to waste. Not only that, but it helps fight food poverty and reduces costs for hardworking organisations.