Short of sounding like an e-mail circular with a tale of woe and misery, those who know me and my family well, will know that we lost our mum last year.

Naturally it was a very, very difficult time for us but actually we were helped immensely by the care and support offered by the staff at Southend Hospital's Critical Care Unit.

The team there provide one-to-one care for patients whose lives are, as the name suggests, hanging in the balance. As you can well imagine this is tough and intense work where the results are not often good.

And while, like so many others our mum didn't make it out of there, I would hope that by raising money for the CCU, we can help give more people a better chance.

If not that, then at least to help them continue to support the families of critically ill people. 

Now, times are tight for everyone so here's what I suggest:

No one should feel pressured to make a big gesture (although that would be amazing).

If you met me in a pub and I told you my tale of woe, you would most likely buy me a drink right? so that's what I want, at least £3 from everyone I know...

And in return I will run a very hilly, very difficult 26.2 miles (or thereabouts) on the day before my birthday and almost exactly a year after mum left us.

Always grateful of a pint...

cheers

Tony x