I gained my place in the London Marathon through Sidmouth Running Club and have decided to use it as an opportunity to raise money for an excellent cause.

This is my first London Marathon (although I did run the Taunton Marathon in 2007). My training has been disrupted by illness. My fundraising has been unspectacular as well so please please please make a donation so Balloons get some benefit out of my efforts. 

This year I have had a good run in the Four Triggs (in February) and the Grizzly (in March) it's just I've been rubbish since. Don't worry though – I am fit enough to get round. 

I chose Balloons because they are a local charity which is active in East Devon. Balloons is a small charity which provides invaluable support for children in dark times. I think we all know someone who has died and who have left children who then have to make sense of what has happened. Balloons do a brilliant job and deserve to be supported. 

I am a Solicitor who specialises in children law and I always try to support children related charities when I can. Another reason to support balloons. 

Please give what you can. 

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.