This year I have decided to run the Virgin London Marathon on 22nd April. I'm still not entirely sure why. It will be my first and only attempt at 26.2 miles before retiring from long distance running in what is unlikely to be seen as a terminal loss to the sport.

In order to make the freezing cold mornings of training more than just an exercise in personal penance, I have decided to raise money for the charity KIDS COMPANY, which is being supported by the Morgan Stanley International Foundation (www.kidsco.org.uk)

**An added bonus is that my firm will MATCH any contribution**

This is a charity that does fantastic work supporting over 14,000 children and young people that are barely surviving on the margins of UK society. Many of us are parents (or might like to be one day) and it is worth remembering that not all children are born as lucky as many of ours. Kids Company provides a safe, caring and family environment where support is tailored to the needs of each individual. Their staff offer unrelenting love for every child, whatever it takes.

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 and make sure Gift Aid (a tax refund) is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate.

Therefore, this works out as an extremely effective way of giving money to a great cause. For UK taxpayers, a £50 donation will actually work out at around £128 for the charity (once gift aid is added and MS double the contribution). Even non-UK taxpayers will effectively be donating double their original contribution. Seems like a good way to put Morgan Stanley's money to work!

So please dig deep and donate now if you can! Thank you.