This Sunday, 13th September, I'll be taking part in the Virtual Great North Run, which means I'll still be running the half marathon distance, but without venturing up north.

Everyone knows I run a bit, and I have kept ticking over during lockdown, but I've barely run more than 5 miles since March, so 13 miles plus is going to be a right slog for this old man! For some of the run I'll be mimbling along the Basingstoke Canal with Karen and Mika dog, but most of it will be alone, with just sore feet and a dodgy hamstring for company.

It's a very late call to ask for sponsorship, but with so many events this year cancelled by Covid, we all know how charities are suffering, and most of all the smaller, local charities that rely heavily on their special events. So maybe you won't mind chucking a few coppers my way to help one of them?

Step by Step   is one of those local charities, based in Aldershot and reaching out to vulnerable young people who have strayed, for whatever reason, from the straightforward family lives that most of us have been used to and thankful for. Among other things Step by Step provides safe temporary and supported accommodation to young people made homeless, plus all sorts of training, advice and initiatives to help young people find their way and flourish.

Thanks for reading, wish me luck, and if you're able to donate that would be fantastic - Step by Step will be enormously grateful. You can find out all about them at https://www.stepbystep.org.uk/