I've started 2025 back out annoying my fellow pedestrians, pounding the pavements running. This time excitedly training for one of the World's greatest mass participation events.

I'm feeling very privileged to be tackling the London Marathon on Sunday 27th April and am taking the opportunity to raise money for another great cause, the Royal Society for Blind Children.

Many of you have provided incredible support for my fundraising over the past few years and I hope that you can extend that generosity once again in aid of a very worthy cause.

As ever, the kind people at QBE have offered to match donations, so your money will go even further.

Here is a little overview of the great work that the RSBC do:

- Today there are an estimated 44,000 blind and partially sighted children in England and Wales. Each day, four more children will be diagnosed with sight loss.

- Blind children are twice as likely to be bullied - One in three will suffer from depression and other mental health issues - 90% will never have a long-term job - Two thirds of blind people are living on or below the poverty line - Most will never have a meaningful relationship

- RSBC help blind children to realise their potential. They run a family first service, working with families to help provide the best possible environment for their child to grow and thrive. They also help blind children to develop confidence and independence through a range of programmes and activities, building amazing friendships.

Thanks again in advance for your generosity. All donations incredibly gratefully received no matter how large or small.

Neil