Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I have, over the years, run lots of races, but this is the first time that will be running to raise money for charity. My lovely sister-in-law Maddy is currently on the receiving end of chemo treatment, which is an experience that I would not wish on anyone. Fortunately, she has had some really great support from the team at Maggies in Swansea, for which I know she is hugely grateful. 

As it happens, on 22 October I plan to race the Gower Ultra Bach - a 33 mile race around the Gower peninsula coastal path. Given my unenviable record in running ultras (I have only actually completed one of the four that I started) I think that sponsorship is just the incentive that I need to kick my backside when I reach my usual 'bail out' point (which, because I'm a southern softie, usually happens when the first thing goes wrong). Unfortunately for those of you kind enough to donate, you will still need to pay even if I do bail out (so that's only 25% chance of me rewarding your donation, based on past form). However, I do promise that I will do my very best to apply some proper Yorkshire grit to the trials and tribulations that will doubtless face over the course of the day.

Any - and I mean any! - amount of donation, no matter how seemingly small, would be incredibly appreciated. The greater the number of people that I stand to let down - whether named or anonymous - the harder I will try to avoid yet another DNF. Better still though, more sponsors means more money to help Maddy to thank Maggies for all of the considerable help that they have given her. 

I know that you are regularly asked to donate towards worthy causes and I did briefly hesitate before imposing yet another such request upon you. But come on: it's a great charity helping a great sister-in-law, with the added bonus of a potential opportunity to have a laugh at my expense if I register yet another bail out. And I promise that, after this I will not be bothering you again asking for money (or, probably, starting any more ultras).

Thanks very, very much in advance.

And here's the standard text from JustGiving: "Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity".