Well peer pressure has once again defeated me.

Ken, patron of Jock Tamson's Gairden thinks I should run a marathon every year. After last time (my first) I told him never (*insert expletives*) again.

But then the We Run Edinburgh girls piped up, and New Balance very generously offered a place, and I temporarily forgot the pain, so here we go again... With only 10 weeks to go to London, I am back washing my kit 3 times a week, battling the elements, trying to fit trainers into my carry on luggage everywhere I go and already sick of peanut butter on toast.

As many of you know I am treasurer of Jock Tamson's Gairden, and given what a fab bunch of people they are, and the great things they do for the community, it was only right I try and raise some money for them. Plus I am only too aware of how much it costs to keep a garden running, especially when you dream of an accessible path, solar panels and being able to bring to site those who wouldn't otherwise be able to get there.

The name of the garden comes from that well-loved Scottish saying ‘we’re a’ Jock Tamson’s bairns’ celebrating the egalitarian nature of what we do: it is a garden for the whole community welcoming everyone regardless of age, ability, sexuality or background.

The gairden plays host to many regular groups (Tiphereth, UPMO, University of the Third Age) and provides a peaceful haven for anyone simply popping by. Lizz, Ian and the volunteers grow fruit, vegetables and flowers for sale through local outlets and organisations as well as for donation to charitable agencies in the city. We bring together people from diverse backgrounds, e.g. retired people and primary school pupils to help to improve inter-generational communication and help to alleviate social isolation. We work with organisations, such as Community Services Unpaid Work Team and are developing a garden for people undergoing cancer treatment with Macmillan, Edinburgh Leisure and Libraries. We recruit volunteers largely from the Health and Employability Service team at Volunteer Edinburgh and encourage people, particularly those who have experienced mental health problems and substance abuse, to work with us. Please do check out our website (and visit our Greens to Go stall!) to find out more.

Anything you can give will be really greatly appreciated. (And as Treasurer I can safely say I will PERSONALLY ensure it goes towards good uses!)

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.