Hi everyone,

Well, if you know me, you’ll know I’m usually the friend sporadically signing up for ridiculous challenges to get my fix of excitement — and this time it’s the Manchester Marathon. The main reason I signed up was to support a friend who’s also taking it on, and what started as “I’ll do it with you” somehow turned into committing to the full 26.2 miles together

For those that know my character, I do whatever I can for my friends with no exception. So, back in November, when a friend of mine said they were running the Manchester Marathon and were struggling a bit getting going. I suggested we start running together — although “learning to run” is probably more accurate, because at the time I couldn’t even run 1k without stopping.

I threw my name on an Alzheimer’s charity waitlist mainly for moral support, with the goal of maybe reaching a half marathon while my friend tackled the full 42.2km.

So getting a text at the start of March saying I was in… and had 7 weeks to prepare… was a surprise to say the least. But I live for the story, and now it’s a challenge I’m excited to take on.

I’m running in support of Alzheimer’s, a charity that provides vital support and services to people living with the condition and their families, while also funding important research into the disease. I’m not gonna go into all the details, but I picked this Charity to support a cause that some of my close friends over the years have had to manage with relatives..

As part of the charity place I need to raise at least £400. If you’re able to donate — even a small amount — it would be hugely appreciated and will go directly towards supporting a really important cause ( and helping justify my next plight of insanity of why I thought running a marathon sounded like a good idea

I’m a sprinter, being honest I don’t like running and never have - IT’S JUST MOVING

Anyway, if you enjoy the idea of seeing me in pain, feel free to donate as well — I’ll be sure to shout your name in respectful anger at some point during the race.

Gossip session over. If you have some change, throw it towards a good cause — or my suffering. Either works for me.

Thanks for the support, encouragement, and for backing my latest questionable life decision.