As some of you may already be aware, this year I have the very exciting (albeit slightly daunting) opportunity of fulfilling a lifelong ambition; to run the London Marathon! So, on Sunday 21st April I will be lacing up my trainers and running around the streets of London, and hope to raise as much money as I can for charity whilst doing so. I have always been an avid runner, completing many half-marathons over the years but never a full marathon, and so the journey ahead to reach the start line (let alone cross the finish line) will be incredibly tough, but a challenge I am ready and raring to face and one that I am already well immersed in.

I was incredibly fortunate to secure my place on my very first attempt via the main ballot, which presented me with the freedom to select a local charity that I feel passionately about and as such I have chosen to run in aid of ‘Donations with a Difference’. This grant-making trust endeavours to improve physical and mental wellbeing through the provision of specialist medical and learning equipment for both individuals and organisations, with the aim of doing things differently to really help those in need throughout Kent. This is truly a very special charity and one close to my heart, having seen first-hand the absolute difference the efforts of all the volunteer Trustees make to the lives of others, both children and adults. Jenner regularly supports this charity, but I wanted to do more. To cross the finish line really will be a dream come true, and to raise money in doing so makes it even more rewarding, so I will be hugely grateful to all those who donate, however big or small the contribution!

As a wholly volunteer-led charity, Donations With A Difference rely solely on the kindness and generosity of others and so I hope my efforts and the money I can raise for them will go some way to helping to continue the life changing work that they do. If you would like to know more about where the money donated goes you can read more via their website www.dwad.org

Thank you so much in anticipation of your kind support, it truly means so much to me and certainly keeps me going on my longer runs (which are pretty gruelling!), knowing the difference it will make to the lives of those less fortunate!

Martin x