It's a new year and I'm trying to drink less and eat healthily (except doughnuts). Not because I've set myself a bunch of new year's resolutions, but because on 24th April I will be running the London Marathon.

I've always wanted to run the London Marathon and with the big 4-0 approaching next year it seems like the perfect time. I've completed a couple of half marathons in the last couple of years and also walked a marathon wearing a decorated bra (a story for another time!) but now I'm ready for the next challenge.

I will be running for VSO (Voluntary Services Overseas). VSO is dedicated to fighting poverty and reducing inequality by sending volunteers from various professions to help transform the lives of people in some of the poorest communities in the world.

Many of us take basic things such as education and healthcare for granted, but for millions they are just a dream. My daughter will be starting school this year. This right has never been questioned and we are lucky to have a number of local schools to choose from. Yet, millions around the world are missing out because of a lack of properly trained teachers, or by being excluded from classrooms simply because of who they are.

Please take a minute and sponsor me. Every pound raised makes a huge contribution. For example:

... £25 pays for an education volunteer to help girls stay in school.
... £50 pays for a volunteer surgeon to teach local medical staff to perform safe surgery and post surgery care.

My very sincere thanks for your time and generosity ... right, time to put the running shoes on and get out there for a training session!

Dave

For more information about VSO, visit: www.vsointernational.org