So why am I running my first Virgin London Marathon . . . . . make that my first EVER marathon at the age of . . . well never mind that?!

First and foremost it is a fundraiser for Diabetes UK, a charity who help an estimated 3.8 million people in the UK manage their diabetes effectively by providing information, advice and support. 

It is a charity close to my heart as my son Andrew has Type 1 diabetes, so I know that any money raised will be going to a worthy cause and it could help fund research that one day leads to a cure.

As well as raising money, it will be a proud moment to line up alongside my other son Ric, who will be in the elite runners section and hoping for another top 200 finish (so I will be a few lines behind him!)

All donations are very much appreciated and if you happen to be in London 13th April, please say a little prayer for me, or more importantly bring me an energy drink!!

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.