In 2021 I started running for the first time ever. Over the year, I lost 5.5 stone and saw a real improvement in my mental and physical health and ended up running 500 miles (804km) in 12 months. Absolutely unthinkable at 18 stone and incredibly unfit come December 2020.

At Brewin Dolphin, where I work, our colleague Nicko Wilson passed away suddenly in the middle of 2021. A devastating loss, Mind was an important charity for him and we have decided to support them as our Office Charity Partner.

To play my part to support Mind, I have said I will run the Great North Run in 2022 but to make it that much harder, I'm going to try and run 1,000 km across the whole year . My aim? To raise £1000.

Will I make it? I hope so. What will increase my chances? Your donations. £1 a km seems a reasonable price, right? I'll even throw in a photo of me suffering for every £10 donated. 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Thank you for your support.