I have a theory that there’s 2 types of people out there. There’s the 'Type As' who are incredibly good people driven by the desire to help others and to make the world a better place. Then there’s the 'Type Bs', who are well, not so nice, and think it’s a dog eat dog world and enjoy nothing more than to see misfortune befall others (preferably one of those self-righteous Type As)

This August I’m travelling up north to attempt the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge. That is a gruelling 24 mile trek climbing up and down the 3 highest peaks in Yorkshire (Being Yorkshire they’re pretty high). A good time is considered to be under 12 hours. I am doing this to raise funds for the excellent organisation, Macmillon.

 For those of you that know me well, you’ll know this is the sort of slow torture I actually enjoy and it doesn't seem quite right to seek sponsorship for something I’d love to do. Therefore I've decided to jazz things up a little…

 If people are kind enough to sponsor me for this challenge, I’m proposing that for each whole £100 that is pledged in total, I will pop a house brick into my rucksack. For those not closely familiar with these – they are heavy. A typical one weighs around 2kg or 5 lbs. If you’re in your twenties - that the same weight as a round of pints, If you’re in your thirties, that’s a small baby! And to make things even better, my company will match all funds raised, instantly doubling your contribution! Now if you choose to tick the Gift Aid box (which you should) that’s an extra 25% too. In other words, a £20 donation becomes £45. 

 So you've got to ask yourself: what type of person are you? If you’re an A’s: isn't this a fantastic way to help an excellent cause and really make your donation go a long, long way. If you’re a B: haven’t you always wanted to wipe this trademark Ireland grin off my smug face? Just remember all those annoying things I’ve said/ done to you. Failing that, my twin Ben must have done something fairly surprising in your personal space at some point,  wouldn't this be a good way to vicariously get back at him too?!

 The beauty of this set-up is that you’ll never have to reveal which of the above motivated you more, let’s just all pretend we’re all Type As and not ask too many questions… either way I’m still hopefully going to be crying half way up a mountain, with half an outhouse in my bag, with only grumpy Yorkshire farmers for sympathy.

 All I’m asking you all to do, is to make a donation, doesn't matter whether it’s just a few quid (keep it anonymous, no one will know…) or something substantial to show off to your mates about, just get involved and ruin my lovely trek on Saturday 22^nd August. Oh and if anyone wants to come help me carry the bricks, just get in touch, I’ll be waiting by my phone… Tom

Legal caveat: if your generosity/ vindictiveness means that it becomes medically unsound to carry the load, i'm going to have to make a judgement call. I refuse to die in Yorkshire.