Running the London Marathon in 2017 will be the fulfilment of a long held ambition.  It will hopefully be the successful completion of a hat-trick of marathons in 12 months (Brighton, Frankfurt and London).  It also comes in a year where I will have a milestone birthday - so this running lark is officially my mid-life crisis. 

I am sure my ambition is familiar to others in remembering the iconic marathon theme tune on the BBC and recalling being captivated for a Sunday morning in April once a year.  I always said to myself "I'll run the London Marathon one day".  Well, life kind of took over and a few years ago (as those who have known me for some time will testify) it certainly didn't look like this would be an ambition I would ever achieve.  As my three children (Alice, Ben & Arthur) have grown up I have managed to find the time/run out of excuses to eat healthier and exercise more. 

So, I lost over 3 stone in weight in late 2012 and 12 months ago I took up running.  I ran my first ever race -  the JP Morgan challenge for my employer (AXA) in July 2015.  In September 2015, whilst away on business in Paris ,my wife (Anita) signed me up for a 10k (Chislehurst Chase).  It was a tough run but I really enjoyed it and with the support of Anita (and her Zero to Hero runners!!) I have been hooked  with running ever since.  I joined my local running club (Blackheath and Bromley Harriers) in January 2016 and with the support and advice from the club completed the Brighton marathon in April  2016 in a time of 3 hours 40 mins.

That's enough about me, this is also about helping those less fortunate.  I am also passionate about raising money for the Dockland Settlements, which really is a great charity supporting disadvantaged communities.   I have worked in London for over 20 years (both in the City and in Docklands).  The work of this charity is essential to the local communities and I will be pleased to put back in a small way to the local communities in the area.

The Dockland Settlements aims to provide support to local communities who live close to their centres.  Their focus is on working in Newham, Southwark and Tower Hamlets and providing sporting, social, recreational and educational activities.  They provide low cost playcare to help parents go back to work or remain in work and a variety of sports for people with disabilities as well as activities for elderly people to help tackle isolation and loneliness.