It feels good to support a cause close to your heart, but it feels even better to support one that's close to someone else's heart.

Having run the Thames Meander in a half decent time in August, I've now been offered the rare opportunity to run in the London Marathon for Saint Francis Hospice by Barry Hearn, esteemed patron of the charity (and my boss) - no pressure, whatsoever.

If you don't know the Essex-based charity, Saint Francis aim to ease the lives of those suffering from life-limiting illnesses, providing palliative care, family support, bereavement support and much more. Not only do the team offer the aid of trained professionals and medical expertise, but they provide the relaxed, welcoming environment required at a difficult point in life.

More: www.sfh.org.uk/

Donation invitations are constant, I know, so please find out more about Saint Francis before even considering... but if it's a cause you'd like to support, it would be amazing if you could do so through this Marathon effort!

Thank you.