I've never been much a long distance runner.  In fact, as age has caught up with me, I couldn't run half a mile without stopping until a year ago.

But I starting running to get a bit fitter before hitting 40 and decided I had one 26 mile (42 kilometre) run in me.

I've decided to run the Greater Manchester marathon on 2nd April to raise money for Sands (Hull & East Yorkshire) and the Motor Neurone Disease Association.  Both charities have a close family connection.  During the difficult times when I didn't feel there was much I could do to help, I knew I needed to do something.  So this is it.  I'll try to raise some money and awareness for both charities, and in doing so remember those we have lost.

I'll post weekly updates of the training so you know I'm not taking any shortcuts.

Thank you so much for all your support and donations (and for boring everyone with my split times!).