Hello! It's 2 years since I managed to make it to the start line of a marathon rather than falling to bits during training (hence the Hinckley rather than Trentham vest in my ancient piccie): it's a tough challenge so I'm hoping that'll inspire you to support my chosen charity. The British Red Cross works around the world and is involved in bringing relief to victims of the Syrian crisis, among many other activities.

I'm typing this with acute bum-ache, having just done my final 20-mile training run. Surely that's worth a few pennies? I'll spare you the toe-nail stories: let's just say that dark red nail varnish is a fine invention (as long as there's some nail left to put it on...). My only remaining challenges are (1) to avoid fresher's 'flu in the run-up to 6th October and (2) to complete a 26.2 mile run around Chester and the Welsh borders. 

Update: 7.10.13 - I did it! i completed the course in 4 hours 46 minutes, which is the 2nd fastest time of my 5 marathons. The conditions were warm and I've been suffering with start-of-term lurgies, so I'm pretty pleased with that. I'm a bit achy this morning!

Here's the JG blurb to reassure you about donating: 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.