Dear All,

Yes, you understand correctly, Mr 'hasn't done a days excercise in who knows when' is running the 2008 London Marathon.

Now that you have got back on your chairs and stopped laughing, I will tell you why.

It occurred to me, that the shere hilarity of the idea that I am going to do this, would encourage people to give generously, if nothing else to provide a good laugh - as I am possibly the most unlikely marathon runner you are ever likely to meet!  I ran my first mile in about 10 years last night, and it nearly killed me!

Now the serious bit.....

I am running for the Anthony Nolan Trust (www.anthonynolan.org.uk), a charity very close to my heart.  Cancer has sadly played a big part not only in my life, but in those of the people around me.  Just a few months after my Dad passed away, Eric's Mum lost her fight with Cancer.  Not many months more passed, and Naz & Amir lost their Father, also to Cancer.  So this is me trying to do my bit, to even the balance in the fight.

Serious bit over....Important bit coming up.....

If last nights run (in the rain I might add) is anything to go by, it is going to take a lot of work to get me anywhere near being ready by April 13th.  So I implore you all to do your bit from the comfort and warmth of your chairs, and give us much as you can.  Think about how much you can afford and double it!  £10 is only 3 pints of beer.....  As I give up my life, my beer and perhaps my sanity, why not give up a Friday night and donate what you would spend? ...hey, I can but ask!!

Anthony Nolan have asked for a minimum donation of £1500, but I have decided to raise the bar to a more ambitious, yet I believe very achievable, £3000.  I believe in you all, come on you can do it!!

I promise you that this is this only time I am ever ever going to do this, so please don't be shy!

I sincerely thank you all in advance for your kind generosity.

Paul x