May 30th 2009, my 40th birthday, I'm running the Stockholm Marathon. It's an absurd idea, on the face of it.

The charity I'm raising money for is the Hospice in the Weald - most of you will have heard of it and will know the good it does. You'll maybe also know that the vast majority of its funding comes from donations, and it deserves all the donations it can get. I've no idea how much I can raise, the last sponsored thing I did being some kind of sack race 25 years ago, but I hope it's loads. It really is a fantastic cause.

Also, I'm running this insane thing in memory of my friend Ollie Nicholls who died in March of this year, 2008. He was one of those people whose name, when it comes up in conversation, puts a smile on people's faces and kind memories in their thoughts, and he is and always will be sorely missed by more of us than he would ever have been aware of.

Please pledge whatever you can - it's a corny old cliche, but a true one, that whatever you give will make a difference to people who need it.

Thank you.

(Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Hospice in the Weald gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.)