UPDATE: I ran the course in a remarkably good time of 37 mins 29 seconds, good for 71st place in a very quick race and just outside my PB. Not bad given I was off the road with achilles tendon trouble three weeks beforehand. Thanks again to everyone who's sponsored me - and if you haven't yet, there's still time!

This is me, Gordon Darroch, running a 10K race. When I'm not taking my sub-editor's sledgehammer to people's delicately wrought prose on The Herald Magazine, I do quite a bit of this kind of thing. I'll do just about anything to improve my personal best: even wearing go-faster socks isn't beneath me, as you can see.

However, on September 14 this year, in the historic city of Stirling, I won't be running for fast times or glory (though they wouldn't go amiss). I'll be running to raise funds for the National Autistic Society. Recently my five-year-old son, Euan, was diagnosed with an autism-spectrum disorder. Autism is a complex condition which can be isolating, frustrating and exhausting for those directly affected and their families. (If you want to know more about Euan's progress you can read my blog at http://autisticdad.blogspot.com).

Yet with the right educational support and treatment many autistic people can make huge strides towards connecting with the world around them and some will go on to enjoy outwardly normal, fulfilling lives. Your donation to the National Autistic Society will help provide support services for autistic children and adults across the UK as well as those who work with and care for them.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: National Autistic Society gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please sponsor me now! In return, I promise you'll never have to see me in a vest again.

Thank you

Gordon