Over the coming 12 months, I'll be raising money for the Manchester Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre at Wythenshawe Hospital, in memory of my friend Sam.

All money raised will go directly to the MACFC to help them give the best care to adults with CF. In a time of difficulty for our NHS, these donations will show our gratitude and recognition for everything the staff do to help young people like Sam. It will also fund crucial research into how we can beat this disease.

I'll be running the Leeds-Liverpool canal half marathon in late October, the MK half in mid December, and I plan to spend the year running more races, in preparation for the full marathon next autumn... so if you're hard up now, there will be lots of opportunities to donate in the coming year!

Anything you give, even just a few quid, will help the MACFC continue to support young people who show such courage in facing CF.

Above all, this is in memory of Sam - his strength, spirit and irrepressible sense of humour.

Many thanks.