I am running a half marathon for a charity very close to my heart: the Children's Book Project.

I've been honoured to work for my charitable foundation (IICF) - and with several of our fantastic charity partners in various ways - for over a decade. This is the latest hairbrained scheme to do some good in the world.

Most people who know me will have heard me harp on about the absolute critical value of reading and education (blame my mother for that one).

I am delighted to run to raise money for such a worthy cause, despite my struggling with cardio and hayfever and the weather when it's too hot or too cold (or windy, because it messes up my hair). I know it's only a half (!) but I have gone a bit too optimistic on the time I am aiming for, so I am in a world of trouble.

Almost a million children in the UK do not own a book of their own. The Children’s Book Project want to change that. They believe that every child deserves access to a world full of words and stories, sparking imagination and curiosity, building communication and emotional skills and helping to transform future life chances.

The charity collects new and lightly used books from families and publishers and gifts them onwards to children growing up in poverty. Every book donated to the Children's Book Project can help another child to see themselves as a reader.

This year they will gift at least one million books to children who need them most. Any donations possible to support their work would be greatly appreciated!

If any of you want to laugh at me attempting to run this in 1:40 then do let me know. (Though I would suggest you bring a book).