Inspired by a burning desire to get off my fat arse and do something worthwhile, I've decided to take part in the debut of the Men's Health 'Survival of the Fittest' 10k race in Manchester on Saturday November 3rd.

During the next 9 weeks or so, I will be (hopefully) building up enough reserves to get round the course without having some kind of cardiac episode - although let's face it, if you're going to part with some cash, the potential for looking at me rolling around on the floor struggling to breathe has got to be worth it...

The reason I'm running for the Willow Wood Hospice is because by all accounts they did a great job in helping and supporting Joan Swift, a friend of mine (and indeed of many of you) in a time of need.

Let's see that dollar people...