As the year turned over into 2008, the enormity of my commitment to run in the London Marathon has slowly begun to sink in.  I’m still struggling to recall exactly how I came to agree to this and, more importantly, whose idea it actually was!

Nonetheless, training is now in full swing and those unfortunate enough to be out on the damp streets of London in the early evening now have the singular opportunity to look with disturbing curiosity at a middle aged man in obvious pain, looking as if he is dressed for the Beijing Olympics! 

Anyway, if any of this is deserving of even the slightest amount of sympathy, now is the time to express it by sponsoring my efforts.  The run is for an extremely good cause and I hope to raise at least £2500 in support of Barnardo's, a charity that works with children across the country trying to help them achieve the best that they can in sometimes very difficult circumstances.

I hope that you will find that donating through this site is really simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Barnardo's will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

So please dig deep and sponsor me online, you contribution, however large or small, will be hugely appreciated.

Many thanks.

Dusty