The plan to run a half marathon was conceived in spring as I picked up running again in London's parks after a number of years of too little exercise. I'm excited to be part of this event and hope for a little encouragement from you to keep me going in my preparations. Joining me on this challenge is my friend Henk Vrijheid (www.justgiving.com/Henk-Vrijheid) who's also running his first.

I am supporting the cause of the Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital, simply because not everybody is as lucky as I am to be able to bring up two very healthy children.

With over 240.000 patients a year, the hospital is doing great work in improving and saving children's lives. Your donation will help them develop new treatments, build facilities and support families in need.