I successfully broke the Guinness World Record for the fastest Half Marathon dressed as a musical instrument. Now in the running violas next ploy it will be attempting the marathon world record at the inaugural Birmingham International Marathon.

You can follow the progress of #therunningviola at tinyurl.com/runningviola where a weekly VLOG will be posted showing what life is like to be the running viola. Or follow Made in Birmingham and catch the Lowdown every Wednesday at 18:30 and 21:30 on Sky: 117, Virgin Media: 159 and Freeview: 7

All money will go to Arco.Please share with your friends, or even better donate a few pennies!

Me and my colleagues from Birmingham Conservatoire have started a project called Arco. The Arco project aims to provide the benefits and life changing inspiration of music to children in the most deprived circumstances. Through music, we will act as role models for vulnerable youngsters living in poverty and crime stricken areas.

Over the next year, twenty-four selected students (six string quartets) from the Cape Gate MIAGI Centre for Music will participate in weekly instrumental Skype lessons given by teachers at Birmingham Conservatoire in addition to their music lessons in SA. They will also benefit from 1-2-1 mentoring and string quartet coaching, not currently offered at the centre. These lessons will be delivered by students and alumni of the Birmingham Conservatoire in a specially designated distance-learning suite.

Participants in Birmingham will gain valuable experience in teaching, chamber music coaching, technical videoing skills and a cultural awareness outwith their course requirements. Skills to inform their future careers in music.

The hope is that this project will provide a level of inspiration and education that is not readily available in South Africa, thereby encouraging young and talented musicians to aspire to the highest level of performance and instil a deep love of music.