I never thought I'd be writing a story like this because I never wanted to run a marathon. That all changed before Christmas when the team from the Family Holiday Association, TUI's major charity, suggested I had the potential to make a big difference. The FHA are a brilliant organisation dedicated to helping underprivileged families from around the UK have a much needed small break from their tough everyday lives. In fact many of the children have never even left their own part of the town they live in.

Im really lucky to have a regular flow of days out, weekends away and holidays abroad in my life, but so many have nothing. The least I can do to give a little back is to run 26.2 miles around London.

When you're next having a well earned break from your daily life, spare a thought for those that can't and how difficult that must be. You can also make a big difference by helping me raise money for this very worthy cause. I'd be very grateful for any spare penny or pound you can afford, as well as making my run even more worthwhile.

Thank you.