Thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

In a mad moment last year when my wife, Moira, got a place in the London Marathon I agreed to attempt to run the Marathon. She completed her part of the deal so it is now my turn.

Although running primarily for myself, I have decided to 'go public' in order to raise some funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity (GOSH).

My Goddaughter, Sophie, has undergone major surgery at GOSH on a number occasions throughout her young life and by coincidence she was recovering from surgery the weekend of the London Marathon. Despite all that she was going through, Sophie helped design the banner I used to support Moira.

This provided a timely reminder of what great work is done at GOSH and the fantastic care she has received. To assist them with this there is a constant need for additional funds. Further information (including a short video clip featuring Sophie with her father Jonathan Charles at 2 mins 10 secs in) can be found on their website via the link below:

http://www.gosh.org/get-involved/hold-your-own-event/why-we-need-your-help/

Apparently 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 and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

I am aware that a number of you are likely to have given a lot recently to people, including Moira, who were doing the London Marathon, so please do not feel obliged to add to the pressure on me to complete the course by pledging money.

Any donations, no matter how large or small, will however be gratefully received.

Thank you for you time,

Stuart.