Most of you already know that in March 2016 I will be 50, wasn't that 10 years ago I hear you say !!

To celebrate the run up to my half century I am taking on two of the hardest challenges the North of England has to offer in the Coast To Coast and Great North Run to raise money for the children's charity Grace House in Sunderland shown opposite.

I won't be doing this again (even if I do survive to see 50) so instead of that expensive present you planned to buy for me can I ask you to make a donation here instead.    

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.