So, mission accomplished - together with my daughter Millie who was also running her first half marathon! The weather was not great, but I managed to romp home in just under 2 hours to the delight of the many thousands who had turned out to watch and into the arms of my able support crew (thank you Vicky and Lyndsay!).

The last three miles into the wind and rain were particularly character forming, but you will be pleased to know that I managed to hold off a late challenge to the line from a bloke dressed in an inflatable dinosaur costume. It's the small victories.....

More importantly thanks to your truly amazing generosity, I have raised, including gift aid, over four thousand pounds for The Mount. This is in the top ten of all JustGiving fund raisers taking part in the event and reflects how lucky I am to know so many caring and generous people. Thank you to all friends and family with the long arms and shallow pockets. As Anne Frank said "No one has ever become poor by giving".

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On 1st March I will be attempting to run the Brighton half marathon in support of The Mount Camphill Community. Only a half you cry! And you would be right, but it's less about the running and more about a cause that I am very keen to support.

The Mount is an independent residential and day specialist college and co-housing community for young adults with learning disabilities, based in Wadhurst. The Mount provides a unique community environment and amazing support for these vulnerable young adults.

My wife Vicky has worked for The Mount in various guises for the last twenty years, latterly as its fund-raiser. This is incredibly important work, with The Mount relying on charitable giving to support a whole range of extra-curricular activities and fund additional projects and much needed equipment.

Vicky will be retiring this Summer, and it seems only fitting that in some small way I can help to mark this occasion and support The Mount by getting off my backside and taking a jog along the Brighton sea front. Who knows, I may even finish in better shape than the West Pier.

I would be really grateful for your support - this really does mean a lot to both of us. All donations are welcome, no matter how small (or embarrassingly large).

If you're interested, check out the Mount's website here: www.mountcamphill.org.

PS - no the training isn't going well and yes 13.1 miles is a bit further than I thought.