Although I have regularly donated to charities and supported my friends' causes over the years (you know who you are!), I have never got around to raising money myself. In 2013 that is going to change as I take on the hardest physical challenge I have ever attempted - The Rat Race Dirty Weekend Half Mudder.

The challenge takes me around 13 miles of the Burghley House Estate in Lincolnshire on 11th May. As if a half marathon run isn't enough to get my head around, they are chucking in 150 obstacles for good measure meaning that I should be nicely broken head to toe by the end. Those of you who know me well will appreciate that I am not a runner by nature and will know how hard I will need to train for this event to get round in a semi-respectable fashion. I will, however, have one of my mates to kick me into shape and support me around the course (Nick Le Fevre).

Now to the important part and whole purpose of undertaking this challenge...raising money. Cancer Research UK has been my charity of choice for as long as I have been in a position to donate. Cancer affects so many people each year in so many forms and I have yet to meet someone who doesn't have a story to tell about a friend or relative that has suffered from this terrible disease. Indeed, one of my friends from University is currently battling the disease and her strength and positivity in the face of such a challenge is one of the biggest inspirations for me to get into gear and see how much I can raise.

I would like to thank you for taking the time to visit my page and for supporting me and Cancer Research UK on their road to eradicating Cancer once and for all.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.