On 17 April I will be running my first ever marathon to raise money for Sailors' Society.

This special charity provides welfare facilities, practical help and, most importantly, friendship to the crew of merchant ships around the world. Yes, those very people who work on board the ships that brought you your shoes, favourite handbag, sofa, tv, playstation, the fuel for your car... who spend months at a time at sea or on fast turnarounds at ports or terminals which are far from towns and civilisation.

 Do take some time to read about the work of this very special charity at http://www.sailors-society.org. Please dig deep and sponsor me to run the London Marathon for this really great cause!