I am so excited and privileged to be running the London marathon in aid of Childrens Arthritis Trust and could not think of a cause closer to my heart. The trust does so much to help children suffering from juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and with the memory of my cousin James Herson in my mind, I am looking forward to the tough test of training for this gruelling run and raising money for the trust.

Running a marathon is something I have always wanted to do, a lifelong challenge, and I’m so happy to be running it for such a fantastic cause.

As part of my fundraising I will not be drinking from February 1st until I cross that finish line. For those of you who know me well, will know how difficult that will be.

The Childrens Arthritis Trust have met with consultant rheumatologists at both University College Hospital and Great Ormond Street Hospital who have conducted studies with groups of young people suffering with arthritis and other severe rheumatological conditions; they have come to the conclusion that currently the research, clinical and medical help they are providing to the young people, meets all the necessary criteria; however,

what the young people themselves feel would benefit them greatly is a youth worker who can assist them with setting up support groups amongst themselves - many of the kids are isolated and feel very alone; a network of other people experiencing similar problems would be invaluable to them. CAT are looking to raise £50,000 over the next two years to enable this to happen.

Please sponsor me and help Young arthritis sufferers.