This year I'll be putting on my training shoes and taking part in the Purple Wave, to support cancer research at The University of Manchester.

Anyone who knows me will know I'm NOT a runner. I spent most of my secondary school PE lessons bunking off in the cloakroom to avoid the dreaded 1,500 metres. And I've always felt slightly distrustful when people tell me they actually enjoy going for a run.

But - having been lucky enough to be involved in UoM's cancer research over the past few years through my work - I've seen what a brilliant cause it is. Which is why I'm taking on my first ever 10k, to raise vital funds to help drive this research forward.

Please throw a few quid into the pot to sponsor me if you can. You'll help me keep going through my longest ever run - and, more importantly, you'll make a huge difference to life-saving cancer research at Manchester.