As the CEO of Marie Curie I know first hand what a difference we can make to people with a terminal illness and also to their families, supporting them through our community nursing services and 9 hospices across the UK. It is a huge privilege to hear first hand from people about the difference we can make, particularly helping people die where they and their families want to be. With the recent death of my father I know first hand how important that is.

I ran a half marathon in 2014 but am well aware that twice as far is twice as far and probably will feel even more than that! I will let you know how my training is going. First comment is that it is not easy starting the training programme on Boxing Day!

I hope you will support me raise money so we can care for more people with terminal illnesses, recognising that the need is increasing already as our population ages.  Thank you  for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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.

• £35 pays for a slide sheet, used by Marie Curie Nurses to move terminally ill people safely in bed

• £70 pays for someone with a terminal illness to attend day therapy at a Marie Curie Hospice benefitting from gentle exercise, an art class and more

•  £115 helps pay for a Marie Curie nurse for a weekend

• £180 pays for a Marie Curie Nurse to look after someone with a terminal illness for a full nine-hour shift, in the comfort of their own home

• £400helps pay for a Marie Curie nurse for one week