OK so we're not quite 100 and we haven't got any medals or zimmer frames (yet...) but we've decided that this weekend we're going to raise some money for Crohn's and Colitis UK (www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk). This great charity does amazing work supporting the people of all ages who suffer the physical and psychological consequences of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis – both through practical means such as helplines and providing reliable information to patients, and for example by funding research. Just imagine what it must be like being at school or uni and having severe cramps and the urgent need to open your bowels 12 times a day; or being told by your specialist that you need a colostomy for the rest of your life.

Crohn's and Colitis UK are a great charity but like so many others their income has crashed with the COVID-19 crisis.The need for them has not, however, gone away. The London marathon, due this Sunday, was one of their major fund-raisers for the year but is of course cancelled. So the Parkes family are going to run a marathon. Between us! On Sunday we're going to each run 5 miles around a country circuit, passing a Strava baton - and then run the last mile together. Betfair are running a sweepstake on the finishing order and split times. No zimmer frames allowed for this one, but might need one after... Please help us to support Crohn's and Colitis UK if you can!

Stay safe all – and huge thanks for your help.