One of the pleasing perks of an arts PhD is having a lot of time on your hands. Over the past three years, my two favourite work-avoidance strategies have been volunteering for Oxford Samaritans and running. As 2008 will be my last foreseeable year of freedom from gainful employment, I have decided to combine these activities in a blistering, toenail-destroying, 26.2 mile plod. Although I love running, I am not the sort of lithe, sporty creature to make a marathon look like a light stroll. This is going to be hard work.

There are lots of amazing organisations that deserve your money, but very few who will be there if you have a crisis at 3am on Christmas morning. Samaritans are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, to offer support to those who are distressed or suicidal, and we, the Oxford volunteers, have to raise £40,000 each year to keep our branch going.

Thank you all for your support. Please remember to tick the Giftaid box if you pay tax.

Emma