On May 6th this year, Paula McIntosh – my beautiful, talented, funny and loyal friend – passed away at Whittington Hospital following a short and shocking battle with cancer. She was 5 days short of her 39th birthday. She spoke very highly of the doctors and nurses who took care of her there, and before she died we talked about ways to raise money for them. A marathon seemed a fitting challenge, especially since it's been 11 years and 3 kids since I did one! It's also fitting as Paula and I once spent a night camped on the banks of Loch Ness, sipping cheap whisky and fighting off the midgies. If the going gets tough, all I'll have to do is think of that night, and her outrageous laugh, to keep me going.

Whatever you can spare, it would be much appreciated. The Whittington also does fantastic work in caring for sick and tiny babies, another cause very close to my heart.

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.

Thank you.