Dear friends and family,

I've decided to do the London Marathon in 2012, to raise money for Oxfam.So I'm going to run 26 miles (plus a few hundred more in training), in the hope that we can raise a shedload of money that then changes lives around the world.

I know I could be accused of bias - but I don't think Oxfam's great because I work there. I work there because I think it's great. I was talking the other day with someone from the Oxfam programme in Gaza, hearing about the amazing public health work we're doing with school kids there whose lives and communities have been shattered and traumatised by Israeli bombardment. Every morning I walk past photos of girls in Afghanistan who are learning about their rights as part of our gender work there. Our response to the floods in Pakistan last year reached 2.4 million people.

These are the kinds of projects that I want to support. If we can raise £2000, then Oxfam will use it to change dozens, maybe hundreds of lives. If you can sponsor me anything at all, then I'll be incredibly grateful. £10 would provide clean water for 10 people. £25 would provide training for a teacher. £50 would build a toilet in a refugee camp - one of the single best ways of saving lives after conflict or a natural disaster. http://www.youtube.com/user/oxfamgreatbritain

Those of you who know me well will know that I've never been massively keen on anything sporty. The last time I took part in any kind of race was sports day at school (which I always hated with a passion). So this whole marathon idea is probably stupid. From what I gather, it'll be painful and difficult. But it'll be worth it if we can raise £2000.

Thank you so, so much.

With love,

Nick