Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I have once more taken leave of my senses and decided to undertake the huge challenge of running the London Marathon to raise money for Diabetes UK a charity close to my heart for a number of reasons. In particular for one of my dear friends recently diagnosed with type 1.

Diabetes can strike the old, the middle-aged, and even the young fat or thin, fit or unfit in many cases to devastating effect. Some have been taken before their time, while others have experienced complications like blindness, amputation and kidney failure. At best it represents a daily battle.

Diabetes is rapidly becoming an epidemic, it will affect 5 million of us in the UK by 2025. Partly due to modern diets but also just the bad luck of genetics. If Diabetes UK invest it can educate people and invest in research  to find cures.

The last time I attempted something like this was in 2006 when I raised money for MENCAP by cycling unaided from Lands End to John O'Groats with two friends - I'm beginning to think that was a ‘ride in the park’ compared with this challenge. 

Running the London Marathon has always been a dream of mine since my brother and I watched the start of the very first one in person as we lived near Greenwich Park at the time. I just thought it was unobtainable until I was recently persuaded other wise by my friend Kevin and inspirational cousin Steve.

I have been running for about 6 years after medical advice to get moving, but have struggled to complete any serious distance. Not only is this body a little bit broken (4 x knee operations) I'm not getting any younger either. Adding to that I myself am a type 2 Diabetic which can make training difficult due to issues around energy levels, blood sugar control and mental health.

Please help me reach my target: If you can spare anything at all I'd really appreciate your support. You can follow my progress or lack of it on Facebook or running app Strava.

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.