I am turning 40 next year, and in true turning 40 style, I've entered a marathon for charity. In a moment of what can only be described as a mix of optimism and sheer lunacy, I’ve signed up to run the Manchester Marathon next April. Because apparently, the best way to celebrate reaching this milestone is by voluntarily subjecting myself to 26.2 miles of sweat, pain, and regret.

Why, you ask? Well, my wife works for the British Heart Foundation and our youngest daughter lives with Type 1 Diabetes. The research and support from these organisations are literally life-changing for many. So what better way to support them and others by attempting this marathon madness?

Please help confirm that I’ve made the right decision because I am questioning my sanity right now. Any donation, big or small, will make a huge difference and, more importantly, will give me that extra push when I’m inevitably questioning all my life choices at mile 20.

Thanks for the support and for giving me a reason to keep going when my legs start asking “Why are we doing this again?”