I'm running a 58 kilometre Ultramarathon around Lake Trasimeno in Italy's Umbria region on March 5 to raise funds for the Hepatalogy (Liver) Department at Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham. 

This department and it's team have blown my family and I away over the course of the last year with their professionalism, expertise and willingness to consistently go over and above for their patients in all forms.

So, grinding out a marathon plus another 16 kilometres to raise a bit of money really seemed like the least I could do to pass on our thanks.

I'd be super appreciative if you'd consider supporting this by donating. As many as one in ten people have problems with the liver at some time in their life, and in the UK liver disease is the only major cause of death still increasing year-on-year.

Oh, and if you guys raise funds north of the target I'm going to throw a box of hair bleach into the equation on race day too. Think David Beckham circa 2007. Without the looks, footballing ability and charm.

Why an Ultramarathon, in Italy?

I've been running now for a few years. I wanted to commit to an Ultra as I know it will be a significant challenge to say the least, and I've never done the distance before.

Over the years I've been lucky enough to spend a lot of time in Italy on holiday. I now have more than a few friends there, and I've always felt like I should have been born in Modena rather than Mansfield.

Unlike most of the Italian lakes, which are in the Alps and surrounded by mountains, Lake Trasimeno is in the central region of Italy and is topographically flat, which will (hopefully) make the race that little bit easier. I've also never been to Umbria, so get to chalk off that part of the country on my to-visit list.

Where will your cash go?

I am raising money for the Hepatology department at Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham. This department provide care primarily for patients with liver illnesses, ranging from liver cancer to viral hepatitis and cirrhosis.

The cash raised will be received by Nottingham University Hospitals Charity. It will then be directed to the QMC Hepatology Department who will invest it in funding improvements to facilities, new equipment, staff training, additional services for patients and local medical research.

Further liver information | https://www.britishlivertrust.org.uk/liver-information/