Hi all! If you know me, you might be a bit surprised that I've signed up to my first Half Marathon. So let me give you the short version of how I got here and who I'm running for.

This adventure started in lockdown. I'm in a house with 5 people, I need to get out and reclaim some personal space. A friend has told me about this Couch to 5k app, but instead of being a dry workout routine, it's full of zombies trying to chase you down. Turns out this is exactly what I needed to get a bit of cardio in my life. I set myself the task of completing this over the quarantine and, to keep me accountable, I get into the habit of posting my runs to Instagram under the hashtag #JogBoy

It's August 2020 and I complete my first ever 5k. It's not glamourous or quick, but I did it. Non stop jogging from start to finish. This is amazing.

Time goes by, #JogBoy falls by the wayside. About a year ago, a friend of mine tells me he's running a Half Marathon. I think he's a nutter for doing so, but I wish him luck. I ask him how long he thinks it'll take. He says about 2 and a bit hours. I think "2 and a bit hours? Well, I've tried running for 30 minutes, could I get to a point where I can do that 4-5 times in a row?"

The idea has been planted.

All good stories need a ticking clock, so here's mine. On April 12th 2026, I am morally and contractually obliged to be in London to run 21.1km. Love a deadline, me.

But what will be my rallying cry? What simple, catchy slogan can I use as my clarion call, rousing my friends and acquaintances to action. To keep me focused on my task, hold me to account, and let the world know I mean business?

#JogBoy Returns.

That's what I'm bringing to the table: Raw physical effort, a lot of running, walking and stretching, probably some swearing and crying. Here's where you come in.

I'm teaming up with Barnado's to make sure that all this work goes to something worthwhile. Barnado's is about helping kids feel safe, cared for, and giving them a chance when the deck is stacked against them. They're the biggest children's charity in the UK, working hard to break cycles, bring joy, and being there for those who fall between the cracks. It's harder to think of a more worthy cause.

I'm hoping to raise £350 for Barnado's. It's a tall task, but I'm hoping with enough blood, sweat, and tears (mine, I'm keen to point out. This isn't a shakedown) I can convince you to donate what you can to this admirable charity.

If you made it this far, thank you. I hope that some of the words here have resonated. Specifically, at the frequency of your Generosity Gland (that's a thing, right?) and have convinced you to spare a few coins for this ambitious, naive fool and his hope of turning his physical torture into good work.