Aaaah! Why is a normally sedentary being such as myself planning to get all hot and sweaty, run 10km all around Edinburgh, and wear ridiculously short shorts in public? Not a mid-life crisis, I swear! I'm trying to raise some much needed funds to help the National Autistic Society. Not only do they organise political campaigns to try to motivate our MPs and SMPs to extend the range of services available to individuals and families affected by autism, but they also work extensively at the grass roots level, doing the things that our government currently don't. They might seem like little things - setting up initiatives teaching young autistic adults employment skills, setting up support groups for parents, or advice lines to give them information on educational issues and support in challenging local authorities decisions on what their child's educational needs actually are. But they quickly escalate to bigger things, like setting up residential schools, running courses for medical professionals, and promoting research into the treatment and causes of autism. Anyway, if you want more information about what NAS do, visit their website: http://www.nas.org.uk/

This challenge is more than just about finishing the race. For all of you who really know me, you will probably understand that I am deeply competitive. Which is why I've been running 3-4 days a week since february to get myself prepared. I want to run this race comparatively fast - in less than an hour. So it's pin the tail on the donkey time. If you want to participate in a prize draw to guess my finish time, email me at h.cornish@gmail.com for more information. This is only available to those lovely folks who sponser me more than a fiver here first...so get donating! (£5.01 counts...I'm not completely evil!)

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!