It's not in the news so much this year but the terrible conditions faced by migrant communities living in camps around the Mediterranean persist and these unfortunate people need our help.

I have aligned myself with a Stroud based community group, Ten Thousand Bowls of Soup, who raise funds for Medecins Sans Frontieres (“MSF”) to help their work in this troubling arena. They do this mainly by selling an illustrated children’s book and CD. The book is based on the stories told by a student I know, Henry, about volunteering in the camp kitchens and I would like through my running to contribute to a cause very dear to his heart.

I am therefore asking friends and well-wishers to sponsor my running and if you follow the DONATE link below and pledge any amount you wish. All the money raised will go to MSF to help fund their life-saving work around the Mediterranean.

Please give generously, and if you would like to find out more about the Ten Thousand Bowls of Soup project there’s more information available at their website http://www.tenthousandbowlsofsoup.com/

I will be posting regular updates and photographs as I train for the races, and I will of course let you know how I get on. As I said, I’m relatively fit, but I should also mention that I’m also extremely competitive, and insofar as I’m able won’t let my condition slow me down! Look out for me in the following:

1. Evesham Town 10k - July 8th 2018

2. Westonbirt, The Summer 10k, August 17th 2018

3. Malmesbury, The Flying Monk 10k, August 26th 2018

4. Cheltenham half marathon – 30th September 2018

In the meantime I’m running around 40 km a week through the winding lanes and woodland paths of Bussage and Chalford in Gloucestershire (I used to love the smell of wild garlic in the woods, but after so many miles inhaling deeply, I can’t get the thought of Spaghetti Bolognese out of my head)!

Roll on July 8th, when at least I’ll be running on a road!