Last year I pushed myself to complete the Manchester Marathon, and this year I wanted to go one step further by making every mile of the London Marathon count for something bigger. Scottish Mountain Rescue supports 26 volunteer teams across Scotland, helping provide the training, insurance and equipment they need to respond when things go wrong in the outdoors.

Although team members give their time for free, running a modern rescue service is not. Your donations help pay for everything from specialist medical and technical equipment, to training that keeps volunteers and casualties safe. Fundraising really is the lifeblood of organisations like Scottish Mountain Rescue, and they could not fulfil their mission without support from people like you.

​If you enjoy Scotland’s hills, trails and remote places – or you simply value knowing that help is there when it’s needed – please consider sponsoring my London Marathon. Every pound will help Scottish Mountain Rescue continue supporting its member teams so they can be there, day or night, in all conditions, at no cost to the people they rescue.