Having stumbled my way cheerfully through 34 aimless summers, it is clear that I am due a mid-life crisis. However, I am not rich enough to go on an inappropriate spending spree, nor sufficiently motivated (or organised) to have a wild fling with a blonde cheerleader. As such, I am resolving this crisis by a more practical route, and running the London Marathon. I'll pause here while you chuckle, snigger and snort your drinks onto the keyboard in a fit of amused derision...

I am running for the Ron Pickering Memorial Fund, which benefits young athletes who have the talent, but not the basic funding, to reach the highest levels of the sport. When the Olympics come to London in 2012, there will be British athletes competing for medals as a direct result of the help given to them by the fund.

If this was not already a good enough reason to part you from your cash, please think of what I'll go through - freezing winter evenings, slogging painfully along pavements in the snow, wind and rain. Aching muscles, sore legs, and less energy to talk to you, annoy you and come out drinking with you. With your help and generosity, I can be kept in a reasonable degree of pain and discomfort for much of the next six months, all while you help a good cause. I appreciate how alluring at least half of this proposition has just become to many of you.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: The Ron Pickering Memorial Fund will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

Many thanks for your support.