Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

So why the hell am I doing this?

http://www.ratracedirtyweekend.com/#up

I'm fast approaching the big 4-0. I'm overweight. I eat too many takeaways, probably drink too much on occasions. I have had my knee rebuilt twice and as a result have little or no cartilage left. I'm held together with titanium bolts knee wise and only have 2/3rds of my hamstrings left in both legs (the other 3rd is holding my left knee together)

When I've told a few people what I'm planning to undertake the responses have been as follows:-

"Please don't!!" (Wife)

"You're a fool!!" (Mother)

"Is that a good idea love?" (Nan)

Haha you're gonna die!! (Friend who saw the event last year)

"This I've gotta see, I'll bring beer!!." (My Best Man)

"You'll never do that" (Friend who's to make a big donation)

Whether that says more about my friends (so called) and family as opposed what I am doing I don't know?

So why am I doing this? Thats a good question and as I sit here typing this I am struggling to put into words why. Here goes please bear with me....

Death, especially when it's close to you affects you in many ways. Over the last five years I've become a father to a beautiful son and daughter. Life is/was goood. Then my younger brothers and wives started having children of their own and I became an Uncle, I was so happy/proud and I still am.

Then something happened, my 6 week old niece Heidi tragically passed away. There was nothing anyone could do. I have never felt so helpless or useless. You try to help as much as possible but truly don't know what to do right for wrong. Week by week, month by month, year by year you move on. Then another niece Eloise passes away in similar circumstances. Those feelings, although having never gone away, rise to the surface again. The helplessness,  this isn't fair, not again! WHY??

I'm just an uncle, a parent myself. What of the parents of my niece distraught, what of them?-  for them a shining light, a beacon of relief in the shape of the Chestnut Tree House Childrens Hospice in Sussex

http://www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/

Chestnut Tree House is the only children's hospice in Sussex and cares for 280 children and young adults from 0-25 years of age with progressive life-limiting conditions from all over Sussex and South East Hampshire.

Their care services extend to the whole family - not just the child, but mums, dads, grandparents, sisters and brothers. They offer a safe haven, a place where the family can spend time together with expert care and support always on hand.

Their aim is to make everyday count.

So in a nutshell that's why I am doing this and I can't think of a better reason.

Obviously I'm going to have to get serious and most importantly get fit so here is my manifesto. As of today I weigh in post-Xmas excess at 13st 4lb. I am starting to exercise 3 time a week. Cut the takeaways down to 2 a month as opposed to 2 a week. I'm stopping drinking lager and Guinness till after the event (I will have the occasional JD or Vodka just to be social you understand as they are less calorific) No chocolate, no crap. My body is to become a temple (Not Buddist which it currently resembles).

Anyway if you love me, like me, feel sorry for me, want to see me in pain then I implore you to support me in my efforts. I haven't got a target I want to reach, I want as MUCH as I can get, so I ask you to dig deep.

I will keep this page updated as I enter into training and times/dates  of the actual event for those who still won't believe I am doing this until they see it with their own eyes. You can also follow me on facebook Jonathan Ramm and Twitter @jnramm if you are that way inclined.

Thanks for reading

Big Love Jx

P.S 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.