On Saturday 1st September, I'm running the 'Spitfire 10k' run at RAF Hendon. This is to raise money for the two causes shown below. I used to be a keen long distance runner but since a semi-serious knee injury a few years ago, the most I can manage now is 5k max, so this will be quite a challenge! And as if that wasn't enough, I'll be doing it in full No 3 MTP uniform. I must be mad! Please donate whatever you can afford, the money raised will be split equally between the two organisations shown below.

The first is the RAF Air Cadet unit I run, 878 Highworth Squadron. We currently have a fully qualified Aerospace Instructor, but no working flight simulator for him to train cadets on. Your donations would go towards a new VR simulator, and provide cadets with a modern training facility to further their skills. The RAF Air Cadets is in fact only part publicly funded, for core activities such as flying. The rest of the costs, such as all of the training materials and equipment, are paid for by cadet subscriptions and donations. The RAF Air Cadets is an organisation that provides young people with valuable life skills such as leadership, discipline and citizenship. Your donation will help further the development of these cadets and provide them with exciting opportunities. For more information about the RAF Air Cadets, go to www.raf.mod.uk/aircadets

The second recipient will be the Prospect Hospice, which is 878 Squadron's nominated charity for 2018/19. The Hospice provide exceptional palliative care for cancer patients, their families and carers in the local community, to bring comfort and confidence at life’s most difficult time. There are teams of nurses, doctors and therapists, bringing care at the hospice in Wroughton, at the Wellbeing Centre in Marlborough, in their own homes and care homes and through a palliative care team based at the Great Western Hospital. For more infomation about the Prospect Hospice, go to www.prospect-hospice.net