After a 6 year break from doing the Manchester 10K, I am running in this years race to raise money for the University of Manchester's undergraduate access programme.

This is a truly wonderful and inspiring cause, as the undergraduate access scholarship programme enables young people, regardless of socio economic background, to access the exceptional learning potential provided by the University of Manchester.

I am attempting to complete the 10K race at the (not so) ripe old age of 39, with dodgy knees and a bad back! In my previous attempts I have never completed in under 50 minutes, but my ambitious target this year (even with dodgy knees!!) is as close to 45 minutes as possible.

If you can manage to make a small donation to this valuable cause, both the University and I would be very appreciative and you will know that you have helped change the live of someone and will have given them the wonderful gift of higher education.

Thank you.