Dear friends, family, acquaintances, strangers, etc.

Thanks for visiting my fundraising page.

I may work for one of the world's biggest health club companies, but sadly, even that doesn't inspire me enough to run 13.1 miles. So, for all of you out there who I've supported over the years with your runs, marathons, corporate challenges, cookie sales and Christmas wrapping paper bazaars (and you know who you are), I'm calling in my marks!

As many of you know, my only brother was diagnosed just 12 months ago with Grade IV Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) brain cancer. Now aged 44, happily married to Michelle for seventeen years, father to Emily (15) and Kevin (11), Jay has endured two complicated and evasive brain surgeries as well as multiple rounds of radiation and chemotherapy. His strong will and determination to fight on each day is an inspiration to his kid brother! Words fail me in describing how proud I am of Jay. How do you tell your big brother that he has become your hero?

Jay has been fortunate to have been treated at the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke University Medical Center (the leading institution for brain cancer treatment and research). And while I will continue to support and fundraise on behalf of Duke, I would like to acknowledge a charity closer to my adopted homeland, Brain Trust. You can read more about the wonderful work Brain Trust undertakes in the UK (http://brainstrust.org.uk/cms/) but as someone who has been up close and personal with this disease, trust me when I say they deserve your assistance.

So, there it is...Sunday, 12th of October...13.1 miles, Royal Parks Half Marathon. My training has been less than inspiring but I am determined to complete the race (crawling over the finish line, if required). And since I stopped smoking, less likely to cough up a lung.

So get out your credit/debit cards...I will be vigilant in monitoring incoming donations. Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Brainstrust 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.

And for you Americans, yes...you can still donate on this site. You'll have to put in a few details (name, email, address), but American Visa and Master Card work just fine.

On behalf of my big brother Jay, Brain Trust UK, and my sore body, I thank you! With your generosity, we can truly tackle this deadly disease. And if that isn't enough motivation for you to dig deep, I'll send you a picture of me in lycra and leg warmers!

Peter