Hi all,

On 21st of April, I'm taking on a challenge I've been holding out for: running my first-ever marathon, which just happens to be the iconic London Marathon. I've always wanted to do a marathon, but I didn't want to do any marathon as ever since I was young; I would tune in on a Sunday morning to watch people take on London. Now, I've finally got a ballot place; however, as it has been a challenge, I thought I should use the opportunity to try and raise some money for a charity that is close to home.

I'll be pounding the pavements to support the incredible work of the JAM FUND (jamfund.co.uk). My step-father, Paul, founded the JAM FUND in memory of his son Jamie, who sadly passed away from acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at the age of 5.

JAM Funds aim is to raise as much as possible to help children in Wales and throughout the UK who are suffering from illness. In the first twelve months, thanks entirely to the public's generosity, they managed to raise £43,000.

Over the years, they have helped numerous groups, organisations and individuals, such as some of the following examples:

- Donating to LATCH and the children it supports at the children's cancer unit in Cardiff Children's Hospital for Wales

- Donated to children throughout the UK (and their families) used for gifts, holidays, medical expenses, general living expenses, treatments not covered by the NHS, medical equipment etc etc.

- Helping six children with travel costs to attend medical treatment in the USA.

- Donating to Leeds General Infirmary to help purchase two Massimo blood monitors, which enabled blood analysis to be taken from children without the need for a needle.

The last project the jamfund was involved in was an £8000 donation to a play park in Plymouth, that had access and specialist equipment for disabled children.

The charity is trying to raise funds for another such scheme and this is where all YOUR sponsorship will be spent and that I will publicise what we do with the funds.

You can find out more here - jamfund.co.uk

So, here's the deal: I need your support. Every bit counts, whether it's a few pounds or a few words of encouragement or even seeing your faces along the pavements of London!

Any support means everything.