When I ran the 10K for Friends of the Elderly I thought it was a long way. Now I am trying to do 4 times the distance I think I must be mad! But I am asking you to make the pain worthwhile by giving generously to an often forgotten cause.

It is not difficult to raise money for animals, lifeboats or cancer. Unfortunately it is much harder to get support for older people in need despite the fact that increasingly most of are aware of older people who are lonely, isolated or struggling with a dreadful disease such as dementia. 

Friends of the Elderly helps thousands of such people each year and makes a real difference to their lives. Maybe you would like to make a gift in thanks for a grandparent or an older person who is special to you. 

The money will go on practical support to people who are struggling to stay independent in their own homes, perhaps to help pay their gas bill so that they can keep the heating on or to buy a new cooker when the old one gives up. These seemingly small things make a huge difference to a person's quality of life.