In October 2016, I'll be taking on the Manchester Half marathon to raise some much needed funds for the Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS) Foundation.

CdLS is an incredibly rare genetic condition which can cause both physical and learning disabilities in those affected.

The Foundation supports individuals and families of those with CdLS, providing  advice, support and information about the condition. The foundation also funds research into CdLS, promoting knowledge of the syndrome.

The Foundation is important to me as my niece, Mary is classically affected by the syndrome. I've had the opportunity to see first hand the incredible support the foundation has provided to my brother Tom and the whole family over the years. At a really difficult time, the Foundation was the only place that we could turn to for the advice and guidance that we so desperately needed.

To continue to carry out their important work, the Foundation needs our help. The Foundation is run by volunteers and survives on charitable donations. My brother Tom, and niece Catherine are both trustees.

The last few years have been difficult for lots of small charities and the CdLS Foundation is no different- if we don't continue to give, the Foundation won't be able to either.

So  please dig deep and donate to this fantastic cause. I promise- this is a one off and the only time that I'll be asking you all for donations!

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.