Legend has it the first marathon was run in 490 B.C. by a Greek soldier (Pheidippides) who ran 26 miles to Athens to inform his leaders of victory over the Persians. Pheidippides paid dearly for his decision, as he collapsed and died soon after reaching his destination.

Not one to be put off lightly, I intend to run a similar distance in more moderate weather this November in New York, but rather than delivering a message of Greek victory I hope to deliver a big cheque to Macmillan Cancer Relief (http://www.macmillan.org.uk/).

Cancer is a terrible disease which has touched the lives of so many. I am sure you will agree that Macmillan Cancer Relief does a wonderful job in caring for those living with cancer and without such charities the suffering of these people and their families would be greater still. Please join me in offering every support to this amazing charity.

And if a good cause isn't enough to persuade you to hand over your money, let the record stand - I will be giving up chocolate, coffee and alcohol for training and I probably won't have enough puff left to speak for at least a week after the race! What more incentive do you need?!

Please be generous!

Many thanks for your support. Sanaz