So today is the first day of my fool-hardy decision to run the 2013 Virgin London Marathon. 6 months of early mornings, blisters, aching bones and all for the joy of a gruelling 26 mile run!  Can I back out now?!

It's not for nothing though, what will be keeping me going on those cold January mornings? The thought that I'm helping to raise money for a great cause, plus I'll have a ginger accomplace in the form of my surrogate sister Emma.

Many of you will know the story of my 'faux' sister and brother Emma and George, but for those of you who don't here's a little insight. Although not related by blood they are as much a part of my family as my own Mum, Dad and real sister and even have the ginger hair to prove it!  When Emma was 17 and George was 16 their father Roger (the dodger) was diagnosed with Cancer. During the course of his illness the Hospice foundation was there at every step even hosting Roger's wedding to Emma and George's mum.  

Roger was an incredible man, famous for his ginger hairy arms, his gentle, kind and witty personality and being a great Dad and loyal friend. The Hospice allowed Roger to keep his dignity until the day that he died and guided Emma and George through the biggest upheavel in their lives.  The work they do is hard, emmotional and upsetting but they do it with a smile and a giggle in order to ease the pain of both the patients and their family and friends.

So in memory of a great man and in order to ensure that other families have the supoprt that they give every step of the way, Emma and I will cross the finish line of the London Marathon next year.  We might not run it under 4 hours - we may even end up crawling over the finish line but knowing that we will have raised (with your help)  a great deal of money for Hospice will get us there come hell or high water!

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 and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please if you can spare a pound a mile, 10 pounds a mile or even just 50p your donation will be met with the greatest thanks.

Please help us to reach our fundraising goal and keep Help the Hospice doing the great work that it does.