It's a momentous year for me as I reach the tender age of 50 on 12th November 2011.

The latter years of life have seen the onset of Diabetes Type II. I got a real dressing down from the specialist a week ago about the poor control of my blood sugars.

So I have set myself (and you) a challenge. I must lose 10 kilos, cycle 20km without stopping, run 6 miles without stopping and swim 1.5km without stopping - not all at the same time but all to be achieved before the big day.

Your challenge is to help me raise £2,000 for CLDF - please dig deep. 100 friends giving £20 would do it - do I have 100 friends?