Winter 2002. Rain lashes down on a sodden field. A crowd of red and purple vests shiver in the cold. A voice cuts through the icy wind: "FIT BOYS, CHOOSE A FAT BOY!" I feel a hand on my shoulder, "Richards, you're with me, let's go".

13 years later and the scene has changed. Sodden field replaced by the hardened streets of Paris; I am fatter, he is fitter; the distance farther by a factor of ten, and a notable absence of an angry Welshman. The challenge is before us, and it is very very real.

Donate because of the fantastic cause, sure - Cancer Research UK is a charity that needs no introduction, and you can read about the fantastic work they do here: cancerresearchuk.org - but also donate because of the man. He is sacrificing a potentially superb marathon time to help a Fat Boy finish....or he just doesn't want to push it in case his dodgy knees give out. Either way, his selflessness deserves recognition. Throughout training he has been a tour de force – inspiring me to sign up, picking me up when I was down, driving me on when times were tough, and providing me with much needed sports fashion advice – ultimately doing everything he can to fulfil his promise that we will cross that finish line together. For this, and for so many other things, I thank him. His name is Tom Breakey, and he deserves your money. Please donate.

Many thanks to Will Richards (fellow Paris runner) for his kind words above. Anything you can give, either big or small, is truly appreciated. If you are feeling extra generous then please see my friends' links below:

Will – justgiving.com/WillRichardsParis

Pete – justgiving.com/PeterHowarthParis

Sam – justgiving.com/SamWalfordParis

Merci beaucoup,
Tom