Can you believe it - 2010 will be the year that I run my 1st marathon and the 1st Virgin London Marathon!

It's thanks to the encouragement and support from my good friends at Islwyn Running club that has given me the confidence to go for the big 26.2 miles this year.

By sponsoring me, you will be donating to a local Welsh charity - Hospice of the Valleys, who provide care and support for people with life threatening conditions. This is the 1st year that this charity has received a marathon place so your donation, no matter how small will be greatly appreciated.

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. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.