Ever since I had children, nearly 6 years ago (Dexter and Daisy in the picture), I've being trying to stay fit by cycling and going on an occasional (and I mean very occasional) 5km run. I love cycling but have always struggled with running.

Over the last couple of years my wife, Natalie, has managed to get fit enough to run 4 marathons (including the London marathon) - Incredible! 

I cannot explain how proud it made me feel but each time she ran past I welled up!!! I thought running a marathon was something I’d love to do but was always out of my reach.

So, after completing a few cool cycling challenges I thought about what I could do next. I realised that there would be no bigger challenge for me than running a whole marathon myself.

Could I do it? I wasn't sure...

Could I try? Absolutely 100%

I thought about seeing Nat run past us during her marathons and the feeling she described when she crossed the finish line. That sense of achievement, coupled with knowing you had raised thousands of pounds for well deserving charities made running a marathon a massive draw for me!

Then I thought, who could I raise money for?

For me (and every parent), my children are the most important beings in my life. I’ve been incredibly lucky in life with the opportunities my parents gave me. I'm even more fortunate to be able to give Dexter and Daisy their own opportunities. We don’t take for granted the safe, secure, happy childhood we have all had.

Unfortunately, not all children are so lucky and that’s why my choice of charity was an obvious one; Barnardos.

Barnardos protect, support and nurture the UK's most vulnerable children. They help children through the trauma of sexual abuse and
exploitation. They provide support for young people in care – and so we don’t forget about them when they leave the care system. They give children caring for a loved one the help and support they deserve.

And that’s not all. Their specialist workers support families through domestic abuse, mental health problems, prison sentences, asylum seeking and much more. They also amplify the voices of young people to influence Government on the issues that affect their lives, fighting their corner and making sure their voices are heard.

So please help me to fulfil a lifelong ambition of running the London marathon, but not for me or my children, but for lots of other children who haven't been as fortunate as we have.