Politics is in crisis once more. As a result, I'm unfit, overweight and haven't trained, yet we're days away from the Hackney Half marathon. It's going to be embarrassing at best.

So whether you like the idea of sponsoring a brilliant cause - the Literacy Pirates - or just are a fan of me suffering (I will, I promise) please do give money to this great charity.

And by the way, if you listen to the Politics at Sam and Anne's podcast - this is your tithe. It gives you - free - a service - so consider a small donation to this brilliant charity the quid pro quo.

By the end of primary, children from lower-income backgrounds are already nearly a year behind their peers. Without the right intervention at the right time, this gap can grow – limiting school success and future opportunities. What began in Hackney and spread up and down the country, Literacy Pirates focuses on literacy, confidence, and perseverance because research shows that children who read and write with confidence enjoy learning and feel proud of what they achieve.

Do give to help this brilliant cause - and watch me suffer