After talking about it for years I have finally taken on the challenge of the London Marathon.

As if 26 miles wasn't a daunting enough prospect, I am also aiming to raise £1,800 for Amnesty International -something I can only do with your help and support.

Amnesty is a fantastic charity that does hugely important work across the world, including individual cases such as Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, the Iranian mother of two who was sentenced to death by stoning and may still face execution.

http://action.amnesty.org.uk/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=1194&ea.campaign.id=10440

In the current climate of seemingly incessant political and civil unrest the charity's slogan of "Protect the Human" could not be more apt.

If you can spare a few pounds (£1,800 would be just grand), help me hit my target and help a wonderful charity do important work, then you will have my gratitude - as well as that nice feeling in your stomach like the first time you watched Toy Story.

I will keep you all updated on my training - week 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SUzcDUERLo&feature=fvwrel

Thanks for you time and hopefully your support.

Nick