In recent weeks I've handed over a large proportion of my free time and both my knees in return for blisters, aching legs and metatarsalgia. And - serious injury withstanding - I'll be running the 26 miles and 385 yards that make up the Edinburgh Marathon on May 25th.

While I hate asking for sponsorship, I hope you'll recognise this is a fairly massive undertaking for someone with a natural aversion to sport. I've dragged myself round Battersea Park on many a Sunday morning when I'd much rather have been sitting on the sofa, cup of tea in hand, embroiled in Hollyoaks' latest teen saga.

And so I've decided to run for the RNLI: handing over real blood, sweat and tears in exchange for whatever you can spare. Thanks in advance and I'll try to do justice to any donations made... Ex