I've finally taken the plunge and got myself a place in the Big One.  I've badgered a few of you for a few quid while doing 10k runs and even a couple of half marathons recently (in under 2 hours!).  But now I really need your help to make a big difference to a great cause while I have a bash at the Virgin London Marathon on 25 April.  I'm aiming for under 4 hours.

Vitalise is a fantastic charity that doesn't get as much publicity as some of the big boys.  They do great work providing short breaks, respite care and holidays for disabled people and carers.  Anyone who has been touched by this in some way will know what this means to families less fortunate than most of us.  Anything you can spare is much appreciated.

So why am I doing this?  I've no idea.  It started with a few beers down the pub saying it was time to get back into shape.  Now I'm looking at my training schedule, I'm not sure what I've got myself into - apparently I need to be doing 30-40 miles a week.  The last milestone was the Liverpool Half Marathon in March, which I did in 1:49.

Anyway, you can help give me the motivation to keep getting out of bed most mornings at 5.30, don the trainers and hit the road again.  And feel free to leave a message - the sledging keeps me going.

Please dig deep.

All the best

John McFaland

07912 689021

jmconsulting@sky.com