You won't be surprised to know that I am not running the NY Marathon for the $500,000 in prize money; nor am I running for the attention of the two million cheering spectators and 260 million worldwide television viewers (!). I AM running to raise funds for The Turquoise Mountain Trust.

I won a ticket at 5-1 odds to take part in this event. Among the 'highs' I expect to have during the race are the six-person deep crowds on First Avenue on entering Manhattan for the first time. Among the lows are the three-hour wait at the holding complex before the 10:15am start. All I ask of you is that you help me get through the stage when my aching, sweating, weather-beaten body is depleted of glycogen and screaming at me to stop running, by giving me an incentive.

I have met the trustees and have done the necessary due-diligence. This is a worthy project that will make thousands of people in Afghanistan self-sufficient through arts and crafts as opposed to worthless and destructive activities. It will also help preserve historical monuments in a land where so many of them have been pulled down or destroyed. I have paid for my own flight and will be accommodated by family so all proceeds go straight to the cause.

Donating through this site is TOTALLY SECURE. UK taxpayers will have an extra 28% in tax added as gift at no cost.