In January last year, my nanny Sheila Gill sadly suffered a stroke. Anyone who's met her will know that she can't do enough for anyone, and that hasn't stopped. Despite being wheelchair-bound she hasn't stopped trying to help others. She has set out to raise some money for the stroke ward at The Royal Gwent hospital in Newport, Wales, as a way of saying thank you for the amazing care she received at the time, and continues to receive as she continues her rehabilitation.

After everything she's done for me and so many others, including raising over £1mil for charity over the last thirty years, when she asked me to help her raise some money, I couldn't say no. Especially knowing that she doesn't want any of this money for herself, but to give it to help others.

The thought of someone else's nan/mum/dad or anyone they love having a stroke and not receiving the amazing care that my nan has isn't one thats worth thinking about, and as we all know the NHS in Wales currently is disgustingly underfunded. So that is why I want to raise as much money as I can for the Royal Gwent stroke ward, and for the Stroke Wales charity, so that other victims of strokes can have the same help and care my nanny has.

To do this, I will be taking part in the Barry Island 10k in August, the Cardiff 10k in September, the Cheltenham half marathon at the end of September, and all going well the Cardiff half marathon the week after in October. If you know me, you'll know I'm not much of an athlete. I'm more the opposite. I love steak, wine and pints. So this will be tough, but hopefully worth it.

The target is set at £1000, but anything that anyone can give would be greatly received and much appreciated.

*Note that all entry fees and costs have been covered by myself so 100% of the money raised will be going to Stroke Wales and the stroke ward at The Royal Gwent hospital in Newport.

Thanks so much,

James