I consider it a great privilege to be representing the RNLI in their 200th anniversary year through the 2024 London Marathon. 

My personal connection with this brave charity began from the sadness of my brother Michael losing his life in the sea on a much needed family holiday in the Canaries. The extraordinary courage and grace shown back then by my late sister-in-law Julie, my nephew Patrick and nieces Sarah and Emily will always stay with me.  They arranged for all funeral donations in Michael's memory to go to the RNLI. So I am also trying to raise as much as I can in his honour by taking on the London Marathon on April 21st 2024.

Michael, my lovely big brother, you were always helping, guiding and looking out for me. You were such a strong athlete and runner, I know that with your tall lean frame and long legs, the streets of London would have just melted away in a heartbeat. Me, it's going to take an awful lot of heartbeats to get round. What would you think of me doing it? I imagine you would be roaring with laughter, as always. This one's especially for you Mick Mack xxx

Too many people are still drowning. More than ever we need the RNLI's help. As a charity, the RNLI depends on our donations so it can go on saving lives and keeping us and our loved ones safe. RNLI lifesavers are our lifeline. They are the lifeboat crews who provide 24-hour search and rescue right around the UK and Ireland. The lifeguards keeping watch on 240 of the busiest beaches in the UK and Channel Islands. And the RNLI safety teams and educators working tirelessly to stop people getting into trouble in the first place. Thank you.