Thanks for visiting my fundraising page. As you may know I've decided to run this weekend's Royal Parks half marathon with my best buddy, Dave, left.

I've recently turned 41 and Dave's 40 so we're probably going through some sort of midlife crisis. I'm also training/running to lose weight! I really piled on the pounds after my knee op in March last year and wanted to prove that's there life in the old dog yet!

Anyway you have to do these sort of things for char-i-dee, don't you! so I've decided to run for World Vision because I've been sponsoring a little six-year-old Ethiopian boy called Ousman through the charity since 2000.

Thanks to the work of the charity Ousman has been able to go to school, clean water and immunisation schemes have been introduced into his community, a clinic has been built and health workers and midwives have been trained. Families in his village have also received financial support and training to improve their farming practices.

Over the past eight years I have written to Ousman and regularly received letters and photographs from him and his keyworker. It has been a real joy to watch him grow up. Back in 2000 he looked very skinny and malnourished but now he is a quickly growing into a fine young man (he's now 14). I'm not sure when my sponsorship of Ousman will end - I guess he'll be leaving school when he's about 15. But when it does I will definitely be sponsoring another child through World Vision.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: World Vision Uk gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

Any donation, no matter how small, will be greatly appreciated!