In January I'm running the Essar Four Villages Half Marathon (gulp) to raise funds for a charity that is very close to my heart.

Mid-Cheshire Mind is a local branch of the nationwide mental health charity Mind, and provides a lifeline for adults in Cheshire suffering from mental illnesses. They offer a crisis/drop-in centre, talking therapies, recreational activities and outings for anyone who is struggling or simply needs some company. And they don't charge a penny for these services, meaning that they are entirely dependent on donations in order to keep doing their amazing work. With increasing numbers of adults across the UK suffering from mental health problems and NHS services struggling to keep up with demand, local charities such as Mid-Cheshire Mind have a vital role to play in helping people to recover from mental illnesses, and to stay well in the long-term.

I'm a bit out of practice when it comes to long-distance running, and am not relishing the prospect of training to run 13.1 miles in the punishing January cold, so any donations will hopefully spur me on, as well as helping Mid-Cheshire Mind to support people in Cheshire with mental health problems.