Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

In these difficult times of isolation and 'lockdown' I have decided to set myself the goal of running a half marathon on my 70th birthday - 18th July 2020. Many of you will remember that I ran the London marathon in 2012, when I was 62. Time has passed and about 6 months ago I started running again. Without any official races taking place I will be plotting my own half marathon route around Merton Park, South West London.

It would be wonderful if you would show your support by helping me raise vital funds for SANE. Now, more than ever, with all of us suffering in various ways due to 'lockdown', we need to look after our mental health and the support which SANE offers is crucial.

SANE is a UK-wide charity set up to improve the quality of life for people affected by mental illness. It has three objectives:

• to raise awareness and combat stigma about mental illness, educating and campaigning to improve mental health services;
• to provide care and emotional support for people with mental health problems, their families and carers as well as information for other organisations and the public;
• to initiate research into the causes and treatments of serious mental illness such as schizophrenia and depression and the psychological and social impact of mental illness.

Given it's my 70th year I am aiming to raise £1770.70 (see what I did there?!). Thanks to your ENORMOUS generosity I've already upped my target once! If this total is reached this would enable 177 people in crisis to have someone to listen, and to assist them with understanding, compassion and guidance. Your contribution will make a real difference to real people with real problems. Please help me by giving whatever you can - I know that times are tough - all contributions will be most gratefully received: THANK YOU.