Thank you for visiting my fundraising page. I’m running the Brighton Marathon on 18 April 2010 and raising money for Hearing Dogs For Deaf People. At the moment, I'm planning to run the marathon barefoot, but I may decide to wear huaraches (made from a kit bought from Barefoot Ted) or Vibram Fivefingers. Some might say that the barefoot option is the most apt, being closer to how a dog, if so inclined, would run a marathon (although I hope to stay with bipedal motion, and will omit the tail wagging and tongue displaying, which would just be showing off).

Since I’ve lost a fair amount of hearing myself, I have an inkling of the frustration and isolation that severe hearing loss entails. Hearing dogs not only help break down some of the communication barriers, they’re also, being dogs, rather good at providing companionship, interacting with anything that moves (especially if bearing food) and fulfilling all your stick-retrieving needs.

About 75% of the hearing dogs come from rescue centres – as did my own dog, who, though not a hearing dog, has, in the past, put in considerable time as an unpaid early warning system. For our house and the rest of the street… Nowadays, though, I think he could do with a hearing dog of his own, since he seems to have become a little deaf in his old age (he's thirteen or so). Either that, or he's become far too relaxed and laid-back in his advanced years to be bothered with the minor (and I think he interprets "minor" as "any") details of guard dog duties.

It seems astonishing to me that there are not more hearing dogs – when did you last see one bouncing down the high street or padding through a shop? – I know that there are many people who would benefit enormously from their skills and their company.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Hearing Dogs For Deaf People 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.

Many thanks for your support.