I've decided to try to get fit again and be a better example to my two daughters!

It's been a long time since I've attempted a 10k run and the added age and bow legs don't make it any easier, but I'm determined!

I thought that if I'm doing the 10k, I would raise some money for charity. I tried to think of a charity that represented who I am (a physician with an interest in informatics) and recalled my experience as a medical student on elective.

I was lucky enough to be put in touch with the Swinfen Trust, who had ambitions to establish a Telemedicine link between the Solomon Islands and Emory University in America, so this became my mission. Armed with a digital camera, a tripod, a list of operating instructions and some e-mail addresses, I set off for Gizo in the Solomon Islands. We believe that I was the first medical student to establish a telemedicine link whilst on elective placement and had some impressive results. The most impressive case was the diagnosis of a renal tumour in a 10 year old child, leading to his transfer and treatment, which certainly would not have been possible without the opinion of the Consultant Radiologist from Emory.

This simple technology benefits the local treating clinicians, the medical students on elective and of course the patients, by giving access to remote specialists and expert opinions. This can allow the patient to be treated locally, with specialist advice, avoiding lengthy journeys, or transferred for specialist input.

I'm proud to have contributed just one small part to the good work that the Swinfen Trust carry out worldwide. As for the Solomon Islands, 19 years on and there is now a network of telemedicine sites across the islands, making referrals to the National Hospital in Honiara and overseas for specialist advice.

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.