This year, instead of spending Christmas Day with my family, eating too much and drinking more than I should, I shall be running 26.2miles.

The Merry Marathon is my contribution to the incredible fundraising and lobbying effort that has been led by my friend Gordon Aikman.

Gordon was just 29 when he was told that he was dying of MND. Since the very day he was told this terrible news, he has set about raising money, lobbying politicians and changing the lives of other people who have been affected by this most terrible of diseases.