Hi. I'm running the London Marathon for the first time, after illness forced me to drop out before the race last year. In 2011 loads of wonderful people gave a total of more than £1,500 to back me on my run and in other events for Ormiston, and I'm raising money again for this terrific children's charity this year. I've left my appeal until very late to ensure that this time I'll actually be up to running!

As last year, I'm doing this in memory of my mother, Jennifer Gibbins, who died aged 61 of a brain tumour after a life dedicated to children (that's her pictured above). She was a PE teacher in Derbyshire for the first half of her career and an educational psychologist in the Midlands for the second half. She was also a brilliant mum, grandmother and friend.

I'll be hugely grateful for any donation you can make, no matter how small. Information about Ormiston's amazing work is available to the right of this.

OK. Now I'm off to swaddle myself in cotton wool and doze in my oxygen tent until race day.

Jonathan

P.S. 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 and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer.