Over the last few years I have become pretty significantly overweight to the point where it's really starting to impinge on my life and to have long-term implications for my health and longevity. So, I've started doing something about it. I want to lose 32 kilos (five stone) by Christmas, of which I've already achieved 10 kilos (22lbs). It's a challenge for anybody who likes beer and crisps as much as I do, but I reckon it's achievable.

To help keep me on the straight and narrow, I thought I'd kill two birds with one, er, stone and raise money for Guide Dogs while I'm at it.

As those of you who listen to the podcast (https://shows.acast.com/ambridgeonthecouch) will know, our friend Ryan Kelly (who plays Jazzer in the Archers) and his wife Sonia recently and unexpectedly lost their guide dog, Hearty. The wait for Hearty to be replaced will probably be a couple of years. Such a lead time is by no means unusual and this, together with the limited working lives of the dogs, means that most blind people routinely spend 20-25% of their lives without a dog and with, consequently, increased challenges in doing things that many of us take for granted.

Please give generously. Guide dogs make a HUGE difference to the lives of those who need them, and two years is a very, very long time for anybody to be without.

Thanks,

Jeff xxx