Thank you for visiting.

 

I have never been a sporty person. Schoolfriends may not even remember the few months that I spent representing the school in the U12B hockey team. In 6th form, my games option involved going to chat with the residents of the local Alzheimer's residential home rather than actually doing any physical activity. Gym memberships went unused, and a love of pastry was cultivated.

 

Then, on 20 June 2011, I spent seven hours performing the most strenuous physical activity that I had ever encountered. Afterwards, as we stared in wonderment at the delightful little bundle of joy we had produced, Patrick said to me "I bet you could run a marathon after this".

 

Being the gambling sort, I found that his words were just what I needed. Inspired by my legendary cousin, Alison, who ran the London Marathon last year, I applied to the Big One, but was unfortunately unsuccessful. Brighton seemed like a great option, at sea level (although everyone now tells me it's pretty hilly) and an area with a lot of family connections.

 

I began training at the beginning of November, and have already completed a 7-mile run, much to Meg's (our dog) great enjoyment!

 

(Update - longest run currently 20 miles as of Saturday!)

 

The NSPCC is a charity that I have always considered important. There are all kinds of things that we would like to change about the world, but there seems to me to be nothing more noble a goal than bringing an absolute end to child cruelty. It's the oldest cliché, but since Barney was born, I feel this sentiment with more and more strength.

 

I therefore beg and plead that you be as generous as you can be, remembering the incredible importance of the cause, and the enormous challenge of hauling my ample self around the 26.2 mile course. Every donation is enormously appreciated.