This year I've set myself the challenge of running a marathon before I reach 50, it's going to be a hard slog to get into good enough shape to be able to take on the 26.2 miles.

So on the 19th October I will be running the Yorkshire marathon with my daughter Chloe, and we've decided that there is no better tribute to two dear friends from the world of ski racing who were sadly taken too early.

Julian Rishton, one of the nicest blokes you could possibly meet, who was always quick to help and support the racers and races, but who I remember most fondly sitting in the start area at the Pendle Winter series helping skiers young and old get ready for their race, sadly passed away last year.

Claire Pennell, who for me was Snowsport England, always there to help whenever we had any problems with race organisation, memberships, or just for a gossip. I still remember her dobbing me in when I said I'd been told to avoid sharing a room with Tim in Bormio, because of the snoring (sorry Tim). Claire was taken too soon and sadly leaves behind her two sons, after they lost their father several years ago.

The British Heart Foundation is a charity that is important to Julian and Claire's families and it feels right that I use this opportunity to remember them and raise a little cash for a fantastic charity.

The BHF has helped halve the number of people dying from heart and circulatory disease in the UK but sadly every day hundreds of people lose their lives. It's only thanks to support from people like us that the BHF can create new treatments and discover new cures. £24 could pay for two hours of research by an early career scientist, but every pound helps so please give what you can to help me hit my target. Thanks!