As most of you know, mainly from witnessing me engaged in the most essential part of training: carb-loading, I will be running this year's Paris marathon on Sunday 9th April with one of my best mates, Han.

I have chosen to run in aid of Ochre (The Oesophageal Cancer Charity) in memory of my Dad who passed away from the disease in 2009.  Oesophageal cancer is the sixth highest cancer killer in the UK, with approximately 7,790 deaths each year.  As oesophageal cancer tends not to cause symptoms until a relatively late stage, it has often spread quite far by the time it is detected and has a poor prognosis; even after radiotherapy and surgery, only 6% of patients will survive more than five years after diagnosis.

Ochre works to support the patients, families and friends of those affected by oesophageal cancer, to promote awareness of the disease and to provide support and funding for much-needed research and equipment.  And if you weren't already sold on donating to Ochre, their patron is Sean Connery - the original, arch-eyebrowed Bond.

Han and I have had fun training on many early morning runs in wind, snow, rain and a bit of shine and will soon be plodding our way through the Parisian streets in springtime sunshine (we hope). I would be incredibly grateful for your sponsorship to help me raise some funds for Ochre.

Please donate whatever you can, whether a few quid or lots (don't let me hold you back) to help me smash my target of £1000.

Thank you,

Tam xxx