I've always wanted to run the London marathon. (For years it was the only TV we were allowed to watch in the morning, because it was different!). I've cried watching it - you may have done too? I've admired family, friends and colleagues, amazed they ran 26.2 miles in heat and cold and rain but crossed the line with a smile. And yet I've never taken that first real step to actually doing it. 

But a chance meeting with the inspirational team at the Family Rights Group last year means that I can try to fulfil that dream this year. The year I turn 40. When I watch the kids grow up a little bit more. Enough for them to understand just what this means to me. Mo has the Mobot: I have the Mumbot.

I  am so glad that the FRG, who had a precious marathon place because they too are celebrating their own 40 year anniversary, offered it to me. I'm aiming to do them and my family proud - and maybe surprise myself too. The FRG's patron is the lovely Alan Johnson who had an amazing upbringing. FRG helps families and children involved with social services, with a helpline, advocacy, support for carers and children, for victims of domestic violence, for women in prison, and much more. But demand for all this is increasing. The money I raise will go to building their services, helping more kids, parents and grandparents - read more here: 

http://www.frg.org.uk/about-us/our-40th-anniversary/how-your-money-helps

Your help in both donating but also keeping in touch - with wisdom, wit and playlists - will make me very proud, and happy. And sweaty, red and sore no doubt. 

Sponsoring someone can feel a bit odd, unless they are suffering as perhaps those they aim to help are. But for the marathon, there is hardship in the training and there are sacrifices to be made and wine to be ignored, so I hope it feels a bit more real and valid - both of me to ask you to donate, but for you to give, if you can. 

You will no doubt all know that 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.

Thank you all so much, you just reading this means an awful lot to me.