In March 2009 I decided to get fit by taking up running and I entered for the Two Castles 10K race. 

For 2010 I am stepping up the level of challenge by planning to run the Virgin London Marathon on the 25 April and then the Two Castles on 6 June. This means running distances of 26.2 miles + 6.2 miles.

I am hoping that you will consider sponsoring me again this year. I will be very grateful for any amount that you are able to give but it would be fantastic if you would consider rising to the challenge that I am undertaking by reflecting the marathon distance in your donation (e.g. if you would have given £20 you might consider donating £26.20 or maybe £13.10 instead of £10).

The fantastic support that I have received so far means that we have already exceeded the original target of £1,500 and so I would now like to aim for a 'stretch' target of £2,000. Please do what you can to help some of the most disadvantaged children from across the UK and beyond. If you aren't already aware of the work that Action for Children undertake please do follow the link to their website.

Update:

I managed to complete the Virgin London Marathon in 4 hours and 5 seconds - just missing my personal target of completing in under 4 hours!  It was a very tough run for me - I started a bit too quick and by mile 17 I was already starting to flag. From then until the end I counted down every mile - indeed almost every step!  My claim to fame, though, is that I beat Iwan Thomas - the 400m olympian athlete, who finished in 04:19.

My next race is now on the 23 May when I have entered for the Coventry Half-marathon - so I'm hoping that my toes (and toe nails will have recovered by then).  Two weeks later I will be running the Two Castles 10K.

I am hoping to break through the £2,000 level in support of Action for Children so I really welcome all the support that I have received so far - if anyone else is able to offer a donation then I can assure you that it will be going to a very good cause.