I really need your help this time. In fact, when I tell you what I'm going to do you may just think I need help fullstop!

Not content with dragging my weary body around the streets of Cardiff, Bristol and Swindon last year (you know how it is with men of a certain age, but that's another story) this year I'm going for the big one, the full monty, the whole nine yards, well 26.2 miles actually: the London Marathon.

Yes I've dusted off the trainers, restrung my man-support and opened a new tube of Body Glide and I'm ready to rock. Well run anyway. And it's for a brilliant cause.

There are over 20,000 children in this country that are unlikely to make it through to adulthood. Children's Hospices UK provides access to the highest standards of hospice care for these children and their families. The organisation looks after over 40 hospices right across the UK and is entriely supported by charitable donations.

I know my request comes at a difficult and uncertain time, but I can tell you from personal experience that a visit to one of the hospices puts all of life's issues into perspective. The dedication of the staff, the devotion of the parents and families, and the smiles on the faces of these wonderful children is both a humbling and inspirational experience.

They need your help. I'm going to do what I can, please give what you can.

Wish me luck

Wallace