Well the cold is past, apparently, and running has been going well more or less, a few injuries along the way. It is now the final burst to the start line and I have been in awe of everyones kindness so far. Thank you to all of you for such generosity so far.

It is freezing cold, my fingers are numb and it is really not the sort of weather to be venturing out in a pair of shorts. I am however still sane and I do remain fully motivated in my efforts for the Virgin London Marathon next April. As part of this historic moment where I tread the 26 odd miles of London’s streets for the first time I am endeavouring to raise as much money as possible for Macmillan Cancer Support. It would be tempting to compare my present discomfort with the work that these fantastic people help alleviate but really it is incomparable and something that all too often enters our lives. The deep support that Macmillan were able to give to Kate, my late aunt, was of the greatest importance in helping her to deal and live with the cancer that eventually got the better of her in 2005.