I am running the 2023 London Marathon for Blue Cross.

Every year, Blue Cross helps to change the lives of thousands of pets and their owners.

Its hospitals and clinics provide veterinary treatment to sick and injured pets, when their owners cannot afford private fees. Anyone struggling to feed their pets can visit Blue Cross' pet food banks and collect the food that they need. And Blue Cross finds new and caring homes for cats, dogs and horses who have been made homeless.

Last year, Blue Cross offered more than 90,000 appointments at its hospitals and clinics and re-homed nearly 4,000 pets. These essential services are increasingly important as the cost of living soars: Blue Cross helps people not to have to give up their pets - or have to choose between their pets and themselves.

This is my first marathon and 26.2 miles currently seems like quite a long way!

Any contribution would be very gratefully appreciated.