On 23rd June I embark on the toughest challenge of my life, running 100 miles non-stop through California in ‘Western States 100’ www.ws100.com. Just to stand on the start line will be overwhelming, so I need all the support and motivation I can get to make sure I see the other end of this life changing experience.

One motivation will be the opportunity to make a contribution to my adopted charity, Deafness Research, through the support of friends, family and colleagues.

You will know and come into contact with many many people who suffer from hearing loss (even if they don’t admit it!) – 1 in 6 of our population in fact, including up to 10% of school age children. So that may include you too, and if not today, there is a very high probability that you will in time – by the time you retire, it is more likely that you will suffer significant hearing loss than not. The impact is profound, both for us as indivudals and as a society.

The problem is so widespread and growing fast, yet with little awareness and pitifully low funding to address causes and improve the care. But there is great research here in the UK that presents an opportunity to influence the future of hearing care, and the time to do this is now. I have made a long term commitment to raise money to fund pioneering research projects, projects with great promise to transform treatment of hearing loss, and potentially transform your life one day.

By donating you will also give me a huge motivation boost to battle through the mountains in California for day and night. So please join in and give me some support, find your credit card and make a difference!