On 11^th October I will be attempting my first – and probably last – full marathon. 26 hilly miles around the Isle of Wight countryside that I really am not looking forward to.

As well as achieving a personal goal I wanted to take the opportunity to raise some money for a good cause and would like to ask you to sponsor me so that I can donate money raised to the Exeter Royal Deaf Academy.  www.exeterdeafacademy.ac.uk/

I have decided to support the Exeter Deaf Academy because my nephew, Jesse, attends the Academy.  Jesse, who is now 5, was born with CHARGE syndrome and as a result faces a number of physical and developmental challenges including profound deafness.  The support that Jesse and his family receive from Exeter Deaf Academy can't be over stated.  They support Jesse in every aspect of his social, physical and emotional development.  With your help they can continue this fantastic work with Jesse and other deaf children and adults.

Although I have been training hard (including setting off at 5am on Sundays and getting 10 miles in before work some days & haven’t had any alcohol for 8 weeks!!!!!) and am confident of completing the race, the knowledge that I will be able to donate to such a worthy charity will give me a huge boost on the day. So if you can afford to, please make a donation -  your support would be most appreciated, both from me and from Jesse.