I thought my marathon running days were long gone. But then, my friends' kids started dying. So here we go.

Long story short, I'm running for CCLG: The Children & Young People’s Cancer Association. Literally anything you can donate would be great.

I'll be honest: this is a ridiculous idea. Last time I ran a marathon, I was in my thirties.

To be precise, I was 12 years younger. More than two stone lighter. The surgeon hadn't even carved up my hip socket with a Dremel yet. These days I can barely remember what my feet look like.

Sure, I do an occasional run. But a marathon? Forget it. That's, like, five hours of pain for me now, if I'm lucky. Plus a thousand miles of training, more or less. Don't be silly.

So why am I doing this? Because nobody should have to lose a child.

I'm lucky. My girls are both brilliant adults now. I got to see them grow up. Some of my friends didn't get the same privilege.

When one of my friends lost a child to a so-called "rare" cancer, I was heartbroken. But when the second faced something similar... and then a third faced something else... and a fourth was diagnosed... just... no. Fuck that.

It wasn't always cancer. But the first ones were.

So, when people started asking if they could make a donation to something for my 50th, I had a stupid idea. And for the next eight months, I'll be pounding the pavements and trails, trying to remember it's all for the best cause I can think of. Every penny you give means fewer sick kids, and fewer bereaved parents.

As much as this is for Joe (and it is), for John, for Hester... it's also for Sarah and Dave. Lilly and Ian. Avril and Andrew. People who've had the worst thing in the world happen, and kept going. Running a marathon is nothing compared.

Thanks for reading this far. Now, even if you can give a quid, that would mean a lot.

Thanks again.

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I chose the charity because it's the one Sarah and Dave (Joseph's parents) support. Here's what they have to say:

We are CCLG: The Children & Young People’s Cancer Association, a charity dedicated to creating a brighter future for children and young people with cancer. Powered by expertise, we unite the children and young people’s cancer community, driving collective action and progress.

We fund and lead pioneering research, provide trusted information and guidance for children and young people with cancer and their families, and bring together professionals to improve treatment, care, and outcomes.

Our work is only possible thanks to the generosity of fundraisers, donors, and supporters who share our mission. Every pound raised helps fund our research, provide trusted information for families, and brings together experts to improve treatment, care and outcomes.

Cheers.