Firstly - and most importantly - this is the first and last time I will ever ask any of you to sponsor me for anything. All of you will know how appalling Motor Neurone Disease is. I’ve had one friend die from it. Another is in the latter stages. This isn’t for them - it’s too late - but for sufferers in the future, to buy equipment and to fund research towards an eventual cure.

On a month’s notice, I’m running the Brighton Marathon which is on April 6. Please sponsor me for anything you can afford. £5 makes a difference. It all does.

And…. For those who might like to flex their charitable muscle - or are just feeling lovely and generous - I am running a competition! To the largest donor (single individual, total donation), I’m giving a signed framed limited edition print by my uncle Sir Peter Blake.

Venice Series (2003), from screen print, limited edition of 75.

And…. I’m also running a Guess-the-Finish-Time competition. Just add your guess to the comments section or in the name field - hours, minutes, seconds - and the closest guess wins a signed first edition of my last novel, “John Saturnall’s Feast”. It’s the US edition, complete with commissioned woodcut illustrations. Happy guessing! Believe me, I’ll be guessing too.

Thank you all so much in advance, you generous people.

Lawrence

The MND Association focus on improving access to care, research and campaigning for those people living with or affected by MND in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. By sponsoring me your money will help people affected by Motor Neurone Disease. Once you donate, JustGiving will send your money directly to the MND Association. Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and secure, your details are safe - they'll never sell them or send unwanted emails. Thank you again