Update 19th April - I did it!!! It took me 5 hours, 31 minutes and 19 seconds but I actually completed the Brighton marathon :) Thank you to everyone who sponsored me, you all inspired me to carry on when I was struggling after about half way, and thanks for all the sponsorship money, you helped me reach my target.

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So here's the story... In a momentary lapse of common sense, I signed up to run the 2010 Brighton Marathon. I have been jogging to keep fit for a year or so now, so it seemed like a good reason to up my training. Then it occurred to me that I could do some good at the same time by raising money for Guide Dogs. One of my good friends has been visually impaired for a number of years now, and just over a year ago he was lucky enough to be offered a guide dog. When Oyster the golden labrador came to stay with Piers, his life changed for the better. He has regained a big chunk of his independence and his confidence has improved remarkably. So having seen the difference these amazing dogs can make, I want to do my very best in the marathon and raise as much money as possible for the Guide Dogs charity. To give you an idea of how the charity make use of donations, I have listed below a few examples...

£1.30 - helps feed a puppy for a day

£10 - buys a lead for a Guide Dogs mobility instructor

£60 - buys a harness, handle, lead, collar and bell

£250 - feeds a guide dog for a year

£600 - provides training for one visually-impaired person

My target is £600 because I have seen the amazing results of the training given to Piers when Oyster came along, and it would be great if I could help give someone else the chance to benefit in the same way. Any money you can pledge will be greatly appreciated, and with any luck it might even make me run faster!!

I'll keep you all informed how my training is going so that you can decide if I'm a safe bet :)

Bye for now

xx