My great friend and running mate Neil Perry is Chief Exec of a fabulous Cambridgeshire charity called Romsey Mill (details below).

In a moment of utter weakness on my part I agreed to do the Cambridge half-marathon with him....then my daughter persuaded me to do the Sheffield half-marathon, a month or so later...and the first 5 miles of that is uphill.

And then some idiot (me)...came up with the idea of "Patrick's hat-trick"...to do a third half marathon and raise funds for Romsey Mill. Another friend (thank you Ness) started waxing lyrical about the Bristol half marathon...so it might be that, depending on fitness etc...or Peterborough in the Autumn or somewhere else entirely...but I undertake to do a third half this year (let's hope I'm the only undertaker we require !).

And this is where you come in: how much would you pay to see me suffer over, not one, not two, but THREE half-marathons ? If you know me you will know that I am not one of nature's natural runners (slow and steady is the motto) and I can assure you that it will hurt. What's not to like ?

Anyway...it would be lovely if you possibly can support me, or, more importantly, Romsey Mill...so many MANY thanks if you can...

and now, as promised...the interesting stuff:

Romsey Mill is a charity committed to overcoming disadvantage, challenging injustice and promoting social inclusion with young people, children and families. Each year, we work with over 2,000 individuals and families, from Cambridge city and across areas of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, including:

* young mothers and fathers

* young people on the margins of society who may be involved in risky or anti-social behaviour

* young people struggling to engage fully with education

* families with pre-school children

* young people with an autistic spectrum condition.

Our work is long term, relational and needs-led. We work with participants to develop their skills and to enable their progress towards training, work and positive involvement in the community.