We live in challenging times. All our lives have been affected in one way or another by the global pandemic. One of the most endearing features of Britain is the extraordinary range of charities and their breathtaking contribution to the people of this country and of those further afield.

The pandemic has reduced dramatically the income that our charities large and small would normally rely upon. The shortfall is estimated to be £4 billion.

One of those charities is Greenhouse Sports. I have become very familiar with their work over the last few years through the Sebastian Coe Foundation. Put simply, it is committed to using sport to help young people living in the inner city realise their full potential. Greenhouse Sports is housed in a deconsecrated church in North London. This centre delivers programmes before, during and after school to inspire young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. They also place full time coaches into those schools. It is to maintain this commitment to young people that rely so heavily on Greenhouse's work that I happily take part in the London marathon's #TwoPointSixChallenge. 

So, for the next 5 days I will be doing 5 tough(ish) activities for someone in their mid sixties - it’s the new 40! Of course, all based around the number 2 and 6. Each day I will be posting video footage on my social media pages of my pain and sincerely hope I can persuade you in return to part with a little cash in support of Greenhouse and of course take up the challenge yourselves in aid of your chosen charity. Charities like Greenhouse are a vital anchor in the lives of young people - now more than ever. 

Thank you for your generosity.