Despite promising in 2012 never to do anything like this again, I've decided to tackle the MdS ultra-marathon a second (and definitely final) time.

Having taken full advantage of everybody's generosity last time out, I have to admit that I was reluctant to engage in another bout of fundraising. However, I've been persuaded that even if we can only raise a few hundred pounds for a good cause, it's better than raising nothing.

Some of you will know that we had a very close call with our wonderful daughter Ellie last year. Major surgery and the removal of a lung at the age of just 21 years resulted. Thankfully, beyond a very deformed lung, there was nothing any more sinister going on and she has made a full recovery.

I can barely begin to imagine what it must be like for families with young sons and daughters who are affected by cancer, the constant threat of not knowing what is to come must be unbearable.

So, having decided to raise what whatever money we can, the decision to support the Teenage Cancer Trust was obvious and straightforward.

Please give whatever you can, it really can help families and children having a pretty miserable time of it.

Thank you.

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