OK. Some of you may know I swore I would not do the great North Run again, but since I had paid for three years of guaranteed entries it seemed a shame to waste the last one... So I'm going to do it and do some good at the same time. So I'm going to raise what I can for PDSA that pays for veterinary care for pets whose owners cannot afford it. It might not seem a big thing in the greater scheme of things but as well as alleviating the suffering of the animals themselves for many people their pets are important to their own well being and many of those - particularly the lonely and the elderly - are least able to pay for what can be very expensive treatment.

 And to encourage any donation that you might want to make I am going to make a fool of myself. More than usual. Do not worry, unlike other recent participation events I have been involved in this year clothing is involved and body paint is not. However, as well as piling on the miles I will be doing it dressed as a comedy Bull.

 I'll be beefing my part up, and I will not be cowed by the challenge (although I am concerned whether my calves will hold up). And yes, I'll be milking the bovine puns for as much as I can get away with.

Want me to stop? Dare I be bullish and suggest a little donation?

Pictures coming soon.