On the 26th April I'll be taking on the challenge of running the 26.2 mile (42km) London Marathon course.

Those of you that know me and my chequered injury record over recent years might be slightly surprised to hear this, but a chance entry into the ballot following an inspirational day out watching friends run the race a few years ago along with a little Dutch Courage was all it needed!

Having been "fortunate" enough to secure a ballot place, I've decided to raise money for James' Place which is a truly incredible charity. Set up in memory of James Wentworth-Stanley who tragically took his own life in 2006, the charity provides free life-saving treatment to men in suicidal crisis. Suicide is the largest killer of men under the age of 35, and men account for over 75% of all suicide deaths in the UK.

James' Place offer safe, friendly non-clinical environments, where suicidal men are cared for and respected. The first James’ Place centre opened in Liverpool in 2018 and subsequently two more have been opened in Newcastle and London. The charity are continuing to grow and are raising funds to open two more facilities by 2027.

Link to the website below - https://www.jamesplace.org.uk/about/

The charity is doing amazing work saving lives on a daily basis and any donation you're able to make will be hugely appreciated by everyone at James' Place.

I'll be sure to share my race number so you're able to track my slow plod around the streets, along with some snaps from throughout the day!

See you at the finish line....

Hugh xx