Even my family and closest friends wouldn't say I was built for speed... or distance for that matter. If runners run because they love running and  joggers jog because they love cake, then I'm firmly a jogger. I haven't jogged as far as 10k in my entire life. So after 40 years why am I risking it now?

In the 1970 and 1980s the clotting factor products used to treat people with inherited bleeding disorders, such as Haemophilia or von Willebrands, were contaminated with blood borne viruses including HIV and hepatitis C.

In Scotland, 478 people with bleeding disorders were infected and less than 250 are still alive today.  An estimated 2500 people were also infected through blood transfusions.

The death, ill health, and pressure on families caused by these infections is enormous.  As the CEO of Haemophilia Scotland I work alongside many of those infected and their families.  The difficulties many are facing are shocking but their courage in facing them is incredible.

The Contaminated Blood Memorial Fund is a project which has been organised by bereaved families.  It aims to build a lasting memorial in Scotland to those who have died and to the losses of those who have survived.  Haemophilia Scotland is providing administrative support but the project belongs to the families. I wanted to do my bit personally to support their work.

So, I don't mind if you are donating just to see what trying to run 10k will do to me, or by your desire to see the lasting memorial built, as long as you donate as generously as you can.